Galway city has long been hailed as a mecca for arts practise in Ireland. It is certainly home to some of the most creatively productive individuals. But actual arts infrastructure is a bit light on the ground…

One such deficiency has been the absence of a fully dedicated School of Music. Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe was launched in April 2010 to bring structured music learning to an entirely new generation of young people.

A series of fortuitous meetings led to the first home for the school. The wonderful surroundings of St Mary’s College. A landmark building in the city that was going through a period of change. We took up happy residence there in the summer of 2010 and remained until the summer of 2017. Then because the building was being re-purposed as a school space became an issue and we moved home, taking up residence in the Presentation National School.

Since opening the school has made a measurable difference to the musical landscape of the city. Over 120 primary school teachers have received training in Colourstrings methodology for use in their classrooms. Over 20 individuals have completed professional diploma examinations in their chosen instruments. Student scores in examination are consistently at the highest level and our more musically ambitions students have won an large amount of competitions in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Sligo and Athlone.

But a school of music is more that medals and competitions. The lifeblood of the school is performance and as such we have instigated programs designed to build confidence and performance skills. For every scholarship winner there are another 20 beautiful musicians, who have prioritised other areas of their learning, while maintaining a balance that keeps creativity central to their personal vision of themselves. That is the measure we hold ourselves to.