U2 Pledges To Support Next Generation Of Musicians

U2 and The Ireland Funds are going in for a 7 million pound donation, the largest such gift to music ed in Ireland, to support Music Generation, a growing music education program for Ireland's youth. Each participating city has a uniquely tailored approach including individual and group classes and performance experiences.

U2's support for Music Generation, "Ireland's new National Music Education Programme," is considerable supplying 5 million pounds of a 7 million donation made with The Ireland Funds. It's described as the "largest-ever single philanthropic gift to music education in Ireland in the history of the state."

The money will help expand their current activities in three cities to six. Services range from instrument libraries to rehearsal rooms, individual to group study of music and a variety of performing opportunities including some for the general community.

For example, upcoming programs for Music Generation Laois include:

Laois School of Rock
Stampede Drumming Project
Pipe Up – an uileann piping initiative in partnership with Na Píobairí Uileann
The Music Box – an inclusive programme designed for young musicians with special needs
A choral singing programme
A range of access programmes through primary schools which will provide vocal and instrumental tuition and access to instrument banks

Definitely an impressive commitment on U2's part to supporting music educaton for everybody.

The Music Generation approach was initially developed by Music Network.

Hypebot contributor Clyde Smith maintains his freelance writing hub at Flux Research and blogs at All World Dance and This Business of Blogging. To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.