Over 5,000 People Learning Traditional Music in Northern Ireland

Over 5,000 People Learning Traditional Music in Northern Ireland

70% of learners are aged 6 to 24.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has published an Audit of the Traditional Music Sector in Northern Ireland with 24 recommendations for the future development of the art form.

The audit, written by Dermot McLaughlin, was commissioned last year by ACNI as part of its Music Strategy 2013–2018.

Among the main findings are that at least 5295 students – 70% of whom are aged 6 to 24 – are currently learning traditional music in Northern Ireland. The audit also found that there are 452 classes held on a weekly basis, and that there are 2,500 music instruments available on loan.

While the situation regarding instrumental is described as ‘very positive’, the audit states that ‘traditional singing in English and in Irish currently occupies a relatively weak and marginal position; demand for classes is low and performance opportunities are scarce.’

Also mentioned is traditional music’s ‘marginal’ coverage in the media in Northern Ireland and the low output of recordings. Demand for traditional music tuition is also not being met in 33 listed areas.

In regards to funding for the traditional music sector in Northern Ireland, the report states that in the most recent year (2014–15), traditional music received a total of £789,036 (€1.16m), which included £672,586 (€950,733) from the ACNI, £90,000 (€127,219) from the Ulster Scots Agency and £26,450 (€37,388) from Foras na Gaeilge.

In response to the findings, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has published a Traditional Music Action Plan. Among 36 planned actions are:

• an action plan to raise the profile of sessions and events;
• a traditional music education group;
• a PR campaign to promote national and international competition winners; and
•  a collective approach to the development of world music from the UK and Ireland, in collaboration with UK and Ireland Arts Councils.

For more on the audit and action plan, see below or visit the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s website: http://bit.ly/1QphLV9

For news on Derry’s new Irish music festival, see here.

ACNI Traditional Music Action Plan

Published on 15 November 2015

comments powered by Disqus