Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School

General information

RANGE OF ACTIVITIES DELIVERED

MUSIC CLASSES:
Our largest area of activity is the provision of weekly music classes, offering tuition in a wide range of instruments (tin whistle, violin, guitar, flute, bodhran, mandolin, tenor banjo, concertina, uilleann pipes, piano and keyboards, electric and bass guitar, button keyed accordion, drum-kit and saxophone). These are delivered to communities throughout Belfast in schools, youth clubs, community and cultural centres. Class Fees are £40 per term (10weeks) - Pupils needs to have their own instruments - and aged 7 years onwards

WORKSHOPS:
Throughout the year, we deliver a variety of workshops and masterclasses that encourage participation and offer many opportunities for participants to try instruments 'hands-on', to develop their playing ability and to engage with other cultures.

PERFORMANCES:
We provide a host of performance opportunities through our end of term concerts, singer / songwriter evenings, festival performances, weekly sessions, and also through the abundance of requests to perform at social, civic, public and private events.

SERVICE PROVISION:
As part of our package to the wider community, we offer a complete programme of class provision for primary and secondary schools, neighbourhood partnerships and, community and youth organisations throughout the city.

EXAMINATIONS:
If they choose, pupils have the opportunity to work towards a recognised and accredited qualification through graded examinations with the London College of Music. To date, we have an exemplary pass rate and the majority of our pupils achieve ‘distinction and merit' grades.

IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC ORCHESTRA:
This is our current Flagship project. We are developing an Irish Traditional Orchestra that will showcase the talent of local musicians while providing a platform for quality performance and creativity. We believe that this project will act as an inspiration to other young musicians and offer them something to aspire to. In future years, we envisage the orchestra performing at many prestigious events and touring potential is very possible.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School was established in 1991, notably by the ledgendry Sean McGuire, and a number of individuals and musicians from within the local west Belfast area. Some were musicians looking for a place where they could teach, share and pass on their musical skills to others, while some were interested in developing a project that would be socially and economically beneficial to the wider community as a whole.

TODAY, Andersonstown Music School is a community based music project that provides opportunities for everyone to participate in music classes and activities throughout Belfast. We have gained a reputation for excellence, and there is an enthusiasm and commitment from both teachers and pupils that will ensure continued success. The school is committed to ensuring that our activities are accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Over the years, we have expanded our services into other areas of the city. We deliver over 70 music classes per week that take place in the Christian Brothers School in West Belfast, Survivors of Trauma Centre and Holy Family Primary School in North Belfast, An Droichead Irish Centre in South Belfast, and at the Short Strand Community Centre in East Belfast.