MusicConnects provides early-years workshops in pre-school settings gentle introducing instruments and musical ideas to our youngest listeners
MusicConnects presents free educational workshops to primary school children throughout Galway city and county through our aural listening programme, Learning to Listen. These workshops are designed to support children to authentically experince music and articulate that response. Facilitated by highly-skilled professional musicians, Learning to Listen offers a combination of in-person participation and digital resources aimed at pupils in 3rd – 6th class. Classroom teachers are provided with comprehensive resources to support the class in continued learning.
In 2025, we are delivering 100 free in-person Learning to Listen workshops to 50 schools, reaching 2000 pupils.
“I can’t overstate how important it is for our students to be up-close and in conversation with skilled professionals… so they can then be inspired and moved, can ask questions and respond.”
This programme is offered to both English and Irish speaking schools.
Connecting Kids with ConTempo is a four-week online initiative designed to help children engage with classical music in a fun and creative way. Different aspects of classical music are explored, from the composition of a string quartet to understanding a Waltz. In each video, children are asked to listen to the music with specific questions in mind and are then invited to respond creatively to ConTempo Quartet’s performance through art, writing or anything else that comes naturally. The children’s creations can be sent to MusicConnects to be displayed proudly on our social media and website. Though most suitable for primary school children, all ages are encouraged to enjoy these beautiful performances and delve a little deeper into the listening experience.
MusicConnects runs workshops for Junior and Leaving Certificate students and staff on aural skills and perscribed works on the curricula. If you or your school is interested in attending a workshop, please contact us at info@musicconnects.ie or 091-586706.
University of Galway has supported MusicConnects since its inception and a beautiful partnership has developed between the two organisations in the intervening years.
MusicConnects works with staff and students on a variety of programmes:
BA in Music
In September 2018, University of Galway had its first intake of students on the newly formed BA in Music. Since then, MusicConnects has been delighted to work with the department, devising workshops built around live performance in the classroom. MusicConnects also offers placements to students of the BA to gain valuable experience in event management, social media management, programming, archiving and more.
BA and MA in Writing
MusicConnects, with ConTempo Quartet, works with Dr John Kenny and Mike McCormack on the BA and MA in Writing programmes. Workshops with the Quartet are integrated into the course, exposing students to another contemporary art form, to inspire their study and writing.
Orchestra
ConTempo Quartet provides mentoring to the University of Galway Concert Orchestra on a regular basis, focusing on technical and ensemble skills
