Bob Gilmore once wrote that music criticism should be ‘a record of how music felt in its own time’. He was talking about how new or different it felt compared to what came before. 

On top of our range of articles, reviews and news throughout the year, in 2017 we launched our very first Music Writer Mentoring Schemes in which nine emerging Irish writers were set this Gilmore challenge.

Following a day-long workshop the writers were commissioned to review a range of concerts. Their first set of reviews can be read here. Find out more in the video below.

One of the interesting discussions we regularly had with writers focussed on the work of describing a piece of music, of capturing in words what makes an artist different.

This kind of writing can take time, and thanks must go to Siobhán Mulcahy of Clare County Council Arts Office and James Harrold of Galway City Council Arts Service who saw the value in this process at an early stage. Our thanks also go to the Arts Council, a core supporter of the JM, and all of our readers, writers and supporters. 

We will have some exciting news about a new scheme in January. In the meantime, please enjoy some our recent writing below.

We wish all of our readers a musical Christmas and a creative new year. 

Nollaig shona daoibh go léir. 

Toner Quinn, Editor