Jude Kelly keynote: can music belong to everyone?

In her keynote at the forthcoming musiclearninglive!2012 conference on 12 March, Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of London's Southbank Centre, asks:

'People used to imagine a world where everyone learnt to read and write; do we have the same faith that music can belong to everyone?'

Jude Kelly is joined by Munira Mirza and James Frankel as keynote speakers during the two-day national music education conference, where Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, will also address delegates.

Further information and bookings: www.mll2012.com

President of Ireland marks 60 years of Arts Council

Arts Council Ireland welcomed the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to its offices in Dublin earlier this month as guest of honour at an event to mark its 60th year. 

President marks 60th anniversary of Arts Council from Arts Council on Vimeo.

The event was attended by:

• Chairman and Director of the Arts Council, Pat Moylan and Orlaith McBride 
• former Chairpersons and Directors of the Arts Council
• Arts Council board members and staff
• members of Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland
• artists and representatives from Ireland's cultural institutions 
• the arts community

Chairman, Pat Moylan, said:

'For over 60 years, since its foundation, the Arts Council has successfully overseen the development of the arts through periods of significant social and economic change. Today, more than ever, I feel the hand of history and the heart and soul of Irish creativity in these rooms. In 60 years, the light has not dimmed in each Council's efforts to achieve the best for artists and the people of Ireland and in building the country's self-image and reputation abroad.'

Greeting the President of Ireland, Ms Moylan said it was 'a pleasure and a truly great privilege' to welcome him to the Arts Council. 'To have our Head of State and First Citizen here to share with us the celebration of our 60th year is a great honour indeed, one we deeply appreciate.'

Ms Moylan acknowledged the President’s 'tremendous contribution to public life', including his work during his time (1993-97) as Ireland's first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. She said the President, who is a writer and poet, holds 'a strong conviction about the intrinsic value of the arts and their singular contribution to Irish identity'.

Ms Moylan also referred to the President’s powerful inaugural speech which 'gave great prominence to and laid huge importance on the cultural life of the nation'.

TV programme to feature rap and songwriting in Scots language

Scots Scuil (Scots School), a TV programme featuring folk singer, Emily Smith, and rapper, Eunice Olumide, will be broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland on 28 February at 7pm.

Six children from all over Scotland were chosen to attend a week of workshops where they used Scots language to perform a play, write poetry and write a song. 

According to Emily Smith:

'I helped three lovely and inspiring wee girls write a song in Scots while the remaining kids wrote a rap with Scottish rapper, Eunice Olumide (AKA Sweet-E). As a Scots singer, I found it a rewarding and exciting experience to be part of, great to see Scots language receiving some long overdue attention, particularly on television.'

Deadline for Sound and Music's summer school approaching

The application deadline for Sound and Music's annual summer school is approaching at the end of March.

 The only UK residential course of its kind for young composers, the Sound and Music Summer School 2012 offers an inspiring and intensive week of collaboration, fun, learning and creativity.

The course aims to nurture a wide range of young composers aged 14-18 based in the UK who can demonstrate their talent for composition, are enthusiastic about creating their own, original music and keen to learn more. It runs from 5-11 August 2012 at the Purcell School of Music, Aldenham Road, Bushey WD23 2TS, Hertfordshire. The application deadline is Friday 30 March 2012.

Music for All announces Learn To Play Day

Music for All, the charity of the UK musical instrument industry, has announced that the first annual national Learn to Play Day will take place on 31 March 2012.

On this day, the UK’s musical instrument shops will open their doors and offer free instrument 'taster' lessons to the general public.

15 million people in the UK either used to play an instrument or want to play one. The day is designed to welcome people into music shops and to inspire them to get playing. People are often surprised to discover that they are musical and simply need a musical 'experience' to get them inspired to start playing.

The day will offer free lessons on a variety of instruments, supported by music teachers, and additional guidance on getting started learning to play music. The UK’s instrument manufacturers will also be supporting the event with staff, instruments and special offers.

Commenting on the event, Paul McManus, Chief Executive of Music For All, said:

'Music for All knows how much music can change and enrich people's lives. We are hosting the annual Learn to Play Day to allow as many people as possible to experience the wonderful world of making music.'

The charity has partnered for the event with the Musicians' Union, Arts Council England's Take it away scheme, MusicTeachers.co.uk and Musicradar.com.

Full details of the event, including participating shops, can be found at www.learntoplayday.com.