We provide an opportunity for individuals or groups to develop through the medium of music. Our Services include:
- Pre instrumental & developmental music assessments
- Individual / One-to-one music sessions
- Individual piano lessons
- Individual music theory lessons
- Individual singing lessons
- Group lessons
- Inclusive community choirs
- Community Arts Sessions
(Developmentally appropriate
community and therapeutic arts programmes; specifically designed according to the needs of the group and participants; adults or children)
Gráinne O' Grady of Music Matters outlines her vision for the Music Matters Inclsuive Community choir:
"I have enjoyed being a member of various choirs and choral societies; this has had a big impact on all areas of my personal and professional life. I have learned many skills and I have made many friends from being in choirs." "I feel that everyone should be able to access the arts, including being able to sing in choir. At times I have been frustrated that "mainstream" arts and choirs are not always accessible for people from minority groups or those with additional needs. Many people want to sing and to be able to access choirs where they can be challenged, with opportunities to compete and perform and where the focus is primarily on the music; their individual additional needs or circumstances are secondary to this." "This is why I am passionate about establishing community choirs that are accessible for all; this is where the idea of the Music Matters Community Choir has sprung from". Many arts organisations claim and aim to be inclusive. However, it is no easy feat to truly be an inclusive community organisation, in reality as well as in name. The concept of community choirs is one that is relatively new to Ireland; however, the number of community choirs in the UK have greatly increased over recent years. Hilary Davies of Vocalantics has been a leader of community choirs in the UK since 2001. She explains the concept of community choirs:
Community choirs welcome singers of all abilities;
- Songs are taught by ear, using the "call and response" method and practice CDs, so it is not necessary to have any previous musical experience or to be able to read music;
- The forte of a community choir is that it does create positive community. Rehearsals are often the highlight of many peoples week, giving them a much needed lift or enabling them to switch off from the stresses of life for a couple of hours;
- The atmosphere is informal so people feel welcomed and supported;
- The purpose of a community choir is not predominantly to perform, though this they do with great enthusiasm, but to sing for the sheer joy of singing;
The vision held by Music Matters is for a network of community choirs in Ireland that truly are inclusive; choirs where singing is no. 1 and everything else is secondary. Such choirs would emphasise the power of music to transcend differences such as gender, age, education, sexual orientation, race, disability, political affiliation, religious beliefs and economic status. These choirs would bring together people from all walks of life and unite local communities. The community choir Music Matters is currently establishing. We are building on our strong links with Open Arts Community Choir to form a fantastic project which is a North-South community development project, as well as an incredible community arts organisation. The first of these choirs is now up and running in South Dublin and Dublin city centre. Come along to sing! We are currently looking for choir members, volunteers and potential funders and sponsors. If you are interested in getting involved with this exciting project, please get in touch with Gráinne and check out more info on www.musicmatters.ie
