Tuning Up is a music-in-schools initiative and is organised and managed by West Cork Music
Tuning Up aims to bring students face-to-face with the best Irish performers of the classical, folk and traditional music scene. It is concerned with broadening the young person’s experience of music and with encouraging a sense of exploration and engagement with music in a positive and interactive environment.
Tuning Up workshops facilitate visits to schools by young Irish and emerging quartets and musicians, and gives young people an opportunity to experience live music performances at first hand. Students will learn about the various instruments and elements of music and have the opportunity to engage in discussion with the musicians after the performance.
Tuning Up is organised and managed by West Cork Music and is available to all primary and secondary schools in County Cork. Schools must fund the musicians’ fee of €400 and West Cork Music will cover the cost of travel and administration. The duration of the workshop is 90 minutes which includes the performance and a questions and answers session.
Our Tuning Up programme takes place from October to April every year.
“Arriving at each new school is like jumping into unknown territory, and I’ve enjoyed the challenge of having to gear each concert and workshop towards whatever group of students you may find sitting in front of you…from junior infant kids to leaving-cert students, from small classroom of 10 to gym hall. Being able to pass on our knowledge and love of Baroque music to the next generation is priceless, and what I love the most is the honesty of their reactions, fantastically imaginative questions and their ability to leave us smiling for the rest of the day!” – Kate Hearne, baroque cellist/recorder player
“These workshops focus on bringing live chamber music performances directly in the classroom of schools throughout the country, some particularly small schools in remote areas of Cork. This direct exposure to music is absolutely vital in every child’s development and the effect of such close proximity to live music has a powerful lasting impact that cannot be underestimated. IT has been a tremendously satisfying experience for us and we continue to be inspired by our experiences performing in these schools.” – Sarah McMahon, Callino Quartet
“Very well planned and delivered tours, organised by West Cork Music, has enabled us to play for hundreds of school children all over the county…” – Eoghan Kelly, Irish Brass Ensemble
“The quartet made the songs and pieces come alive for the children. They used simple, clear explanations about the various pieces and musical elements. The quartet covered the strands – “Listening and responding to music” and “performing.” The highlights of the performance was when some pupils were invited to conduct the quartet. The quartet finished by performing the theme tunes from The Simpsons and Mama Mia.” – Ms Lawlee, 1st Class Teacher, Convent Primary School, Mallow
“The workshop was a huge success. The music was interesting and varied and perfect for 2nd level students. The interaction between the quartet and the students was great.” – Maura McAuliffe, St Mary’s Secondary School, Mallow
“The visit of the Carducci Quartet was an outstanding success with our pupils. The repertoire was very imaginative and well chosen and the pupil’s interest was held right throughout (never an easy task with 11 and 12 year old boys).” – Pat Fitzgerald, Midleton CBS Primary School
“We have found great support and validity in the interaction between our students and the professional musicians of the Tuning Up programme.” – Carol Daly, Príomh Oide, County Cork School of Music
“The programme offers students the opportunity to experience the musical journey from composition through to performance in a real and interactive way.” – Mary O’Donovan, Director, West Cork Education Centre
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