The Máirtín O'Connor Band

This project offers the young musician an opportunity to spend an intensive block of time with three of the country’s most established artists. Over the course of the masterclass the young musician will:

• Learn to play some of the music of these master musicians

The artists will share some of their own music through performance – ahead of the masterclasses (via Padlet) and during the sessions. And you will be invited to learn some of this repertoire (tunes and songs). As part of this you will pick up some tips on technique and performance style from the musicians – and they will offer feedback on your own playing along the way. Much of the learning will be by ear; readers of staff notation and/or ABCs can also be accommodated.

• Learn how a musical arrangement is built – and help build an arrangement

Looking at instrumental tunes and songs you will work collaboratively with the artists on building arrangements. As part of this you will explore topics such as how to choose material, how to assemble material, instrumentation/voicing/balance, adding harmony, rhythmic/melodic accompaniment, intros/outros/bridges/breaks etc.)

• Learn how accompaniment works (in both tunes and songs) – and have a go at it
• Learn how improvisation works – and get to try it out
• Learn how these musicians approach composition – and try out some of their tips and tricks for yourself
• Learn about how other music genres can influence Irish traditional music

Here you will learn about how these musicians take inspiration from other music genres – and see what happens when ideas and techniques and sounds from other music genres meet traditional music. And you will get to try this out for yourself.

• Learn how to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Learn how to work with a performance goal in mind
• Learn what goes on behind the scenes as you prepare for a performance. You will experience first-hand how to select material, put a set list together, think about seating, lighting, introductions, bows, sound etc.
• Share the stage with these legendary artists in a live performance, where you will showcase the arrangements you have worked on in the masterclasses
• Learn about the life of a professional artist

You will have the opportunity to hear stories about the experiences of these musicians – and you will get the chance to ask them questions about their lives as professional artists in the ‘Ask Me Anything’ session (e.g. what’s it’s like to tour the world? Do you still practice? What was your best/worst gig ever?).

Fees

• Masterclass Fees: €30  (special Music Generation discounted rate)
• Fee includes the concert ticket
• The fee will be payable to Music Generation Offaly on confirmation of application acceptance

Lunch

• Masterclass participants will be required to bring their own packed lunch / refreshments / drinks

Consent Forms

• The masterclass and concert will be documented through photography and video, media consent forms will be made available

Schedules and Materials

• Participants will receive pre-masterclass preparation notes and a time-table

Application Deadline

• midnight, Thursday 11th May ‘23

Who can apply / application criteria:

• Young musicians aged 14-18; you do not need to be a Music Generation learner to apply for this programme
• Any instrumentation
• Skill level - Intermediate and Advanced players
• Singers - with proficiency on an instrument
• Desirable experience - some experience of composing or song-writing or arranging
• Young musicians who have experience as Irish traditional musicians
• Young musicians who have little/no experience with Irish traditional music but who are interested in exploring this genre

This project is ideal for any young musician who is:

• excited about working with master musicians
• happy to work as part of a team in a collaborative way
• interested in learning new things
• curious about how the experience of the master musicians might influence their own music development
• open to the idea of going on a musical journey – and seeing where it leads
• committed to working hard and contributing to the masterclasses

Application Procedure

• As there are limited places available for this masterclass (15 places) it is subject to application
• Below is the online application form – the deadline is midnight Thursday 11th May
• Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath will be in contact with all applicants on Friday 12th May
• You can open the application form without registering to read the questions ahead of completing the form
• If you are under the age of 18 you will need your parent or guardian to give their consent
• If for any reason you are unable to complete the online application form email: info@soundwavesmusicspace.com or contact Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath: MBroome@lwetb.ie  / 057 9346800