Contributing to young peoples’ personal development within a vibrant music community
Early Years Programmes
Minding Musical Minds
A parent, baby and toddler music programme
0 – 2 year olds
Our Parent and Toddler Programme, Music Makers, is led by a certified Kindermusik specialist, and supports early childhood development through music, movement, and play. Delivered to groups over six weeks, each 90-minute session offers fun, interactive activities that strengthen bonding and support social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Families enjoy a warm, engaging environment where they connect, learn, and explore the joy of music together.
Soundworlds
Early Years Music Programme for Pre – School Children
3 – 5 year olds
Soundworlds Early Years Music Programme is a creative music making programme developed specifically for pre-school children. It aims to introduce younger children to music while building self-confidence and self-esteem and creating a direct pathway to music education. Musicians collaborate with Early Childhood Care and Education staff to create a rich learning environment, where children are encouraged to explore sound and music through a range of play activities and group work.
Primary School Programmes
Registration 25/26 Programme Now Open!
Register Here
Ceol na nÓg
An Introduction to Music Programme
for Junior Primary Students.
Junior Infants – 2nd Class
Ceol na nÓg is an introductory music programme designed to give children a fun, accessible start in music. The aim of this programme is to enhance and complement the music education currently provided by teachers in schools. Music Generation Mayo provides a Musician Educator (ME), trained in music performance and education, to implement a music programme that is creative, engaging and inclusive in partnership with classroom based teachers and SNAs.
*The children will use resources and instruments provided by the ME and if schools have their own instruments, these can be utilised also.
Terms and Prices
All our programs are offered to schools with a 30% discount off the total cost.
`Ceol na nÓg 13 week term (including 30% discount) = €475
Ceol na nÓg 26 week term (including 30% discount) = €950
Ceol na nÓg Ukulele
An Introduction to Music Programme
with a focus on Ukulele and Singing
3rd – 6th Cass
Ceol na nÓg Ukulele is an adaptation of our Ceol na nÓg programme for Senior Primary Students and includes singing and learning ukulele accompaniment as part of the curriculum. The aim of this programme is to enhance and complement the music education currently provided by teachers in schools. Music Generation Mayo provides a Musician Educator (ME), trained in music performance and education, to implement a music programme that is creative, engaging and inclusive in partnership with classroom based teachers and SNAs.
* It is recommended that children have access to their own ukulele for these sessions. Ukuleles can be ordered through Music Generation Mayo at a discounted price of €20 each.
Terms and Prices
All our programs are offered to schools with a 30% discount off the total cost.
Ceol na nÓg 13 week term (including 30% discount) = €475
Ceol na nÓg 26 week term (including 30% discount) = €950
Céilí Ukulele
Group Singing and Ukulele Classes
for Senior Primary Students
4th – 5th Class
Céilí Ukulele is a lively group music programme for 4th and 5th class primary students. Delivered by professional musicians in the classroom, students learn to play contemporary songs and develop the skills to accompany themselves on the ukulele. The fun, fast-paced sessions build musical confidence and create an engaging introduction to instrumental performance and group playing.
* It is recommended that children have access to their own ukulele for these sessions. Ukuleles can be ordered through Music Generation Mayo at a discounted price of €20 each.
Terms and Prices
All our programs are offered to schools with a 30% discount off the total cost.
Céilí Ukulele 13 week term (including 30% discount) = €475
Céilí Ukulele 28 week term (including 30% discount) and end of year concert = €1050
Bualadh Beats
Group Drumming Classes
for Senior Primary Students
3rd – 6th Class
Bualadh Beats is a dynamic group percussion class where students explore rhythm through hands-on drumming and percussion activities. Led by experienced instructors, the programme introduces a variety of world percussion traditions, offering a rhythmic journey across cultures. Students develop coordination, timing, and teamwork skills while discovering the rich history and global influence of percussion music.
Terms and Prices
All our programs are offered to schools with a 30% discount off the total cost.
Bualadh Beats 13 week term (including 30% discount) = €475
Bualadh Beats 26 week term (including 30% discount) = €950
Differently-Abled
Music Therapy Classes for Children in Special Needs Schools
Primary & Post- Primary Schools
Students in special needs school settings engage in enriching music experiences led by a qualified music therapist. This programme supports sensory, emotional, and social development through interactive musical activities. Currently running in St. Dympna’s and St. Nicholas’ schools in Ballina, it is a partnership between Music Generation Mayo and the Mayo North East social Inclusion and Community activation Programme.
Other School Workshops
Single or short-term music workshops on a variety of topics and styles, facilitated by professional musicians in classroom environments.
Music Generation Mayo can provide a variety of single event or short term projects tailored to meet your needs across a broad spectrum of musical styles and topics to any age group of children and young people. Examples include: Songwriting, African Drumming, Exploring Sounds for young children, Special Needs music workshops, Jazz & Blues, Irish Traditional Music. Our talented team can bring you whatever you need!
Please contact us on info@musicgenerationmayo.ie
Secondary School Programmes
Bualadh Beats
Group Drumming Classes
for Secondary Schools
1st year – 5th year Students
Bualadh Beats is a dynamic group percussion class where students explore rhythm through hands-on drumming and percussion activities. The programme introduces a variety of world percussion traditions, offering a rhythmic journey across cultures. Students develop coordination, timing, and teamwork skills while discovering the rich history and global influence of percussion music.
Terms and Prices
All our programs are offered to schools with a 30% discount off the total cost.
Bualadh Beats 13 week term (including 30% discount) = €475
Bualadh Beats 26 week term (including 30% discount) = €950
Other School Workshops
Single or short-term music workshops on a variety of topics and styles, facilitated by professional musicians in classroom environments.
Music Generation Mayo can provide a variety of single event or short term projects tailored to meet your needs across a broad spectrum of musical styles and topics to any age group of children and young people. Examples include: Songwriting, African Drumming, Exploring Sounds for young children, Special Needs music workshops, Jazz & Blues, Irish Traditional Music. Our talented team can bring you whatever you need!
Please contact us on info@musicgenerationmayo.ie
After School Programmes
The Core
A Contemporary Youth Music Space
for teenagers
12 -18 year olds
The Core is a creative music space for young people aged 12–18, based in the Ballina Arts Centre. It offers access to musical instruments, rehearsal and studio space alongside workshops in music technology, songwriting, recording, and instrument or vocal study. It’s a safe, supportive environment for young musicians to explore, create, and grow.
Fret Frenzy
A Weekly Music Club for Teengers in Castlebar
12 – 18 year olds
Fret Frenzy is an exciting weekly programme for young people who are passionate about playing music! Held at Music West in Castlebar, it welcomes all skill levels and instruments, including but not limited to vocals, guitars, keyboard, bass, drums. strings and wind instruments. The prgramme offers a fun, collaborative environment where teens can jam, form bands, and explore their musical creativity. Alongside performance sessions, students can explore new genres and instruments and take part in workshops on songwriting, studio recording, and live sound tech.
After-School
Music Centres
Weekly After School Music Centres
in Charlestown, Crossmolina and Ballinrobe.
Our after school programmes are designed to help children develop their musical skills and creativity in a fun and supportive environment with experienced and qualified instructors.
Music Club Junior and Senior
For 5 – 8 year olds and 8-12 year olds
Music Club is our after-school programme for primary-aged children, offering a fun and interactive way to learn music fundamentals. Through songs, games, and activities, children develop their skills and confidence. The programme also includes ensemble evenings where younger students get to perform alongside older peers, fostering community and teamwork through music.
Fret Frenzy
12 – 18 year olds
Bassed on our hugely popular Fret Frenzy programme, this is a music club for teenagers and welcomes all skill levels and instruments, including but not limited to vocals, guitars, keyboard, bass, drums. strings and wind instruments. It offers a fun, collaborative environment where teens can learn new songs, jam, form bands, and explore their musical creativity.
Group Instrument Tuition
We also offer group classes in piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, and violin for all school-ages bassed on demand.
Access Programmes
Community Youth Centre Music Programmes
12 – 18 year olds
Our Access Programmes provide weekly group music sessions at community youth centres, led by professional musicians. These classes offer young people an opportunity to explore music, develop their skills, and enjoy collaborative music-making in a welcoming, supportive environment. Designed to inspire creativity and confidence, the programme makes music accessible to all youth in the community.These programmes are currently being offered through a partnership between Music Generation Mayo and Mayo North East Social Inclusion and Comunity Activation Prgramme (SICAP).
After School Ensemble Programmes
Harp Ensemble
A Fortnightly Harp Ensemble
led by
Grainne Hambley and William Jackson
The Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble is a vibrant harp orchestra that meets every second Saturday afternoon for rehearsals. Open to young harpists with at least one year of playing experience and access to their own instrument (rentals may be available through our Instrument Bank), the ensemble learns music by ear—no reading required. Members also enjoy regular performance and workshop opportunities across Ireland.
Email info@musicgenerationmayo.ie for more information
Uilleann Pipe Ensemble
Traditional Irish Uillenn Pipe Ensemble
led by
Emer Mayock and Diarmud Moynihan
Small group Uilleann Piping lessons are offered on Saturday mornings in Castlebar, catering to all levels from beginner to advanced. Taught by the well renowned pipers, Emer Mayock and Diarmud Moynihan , students receive expert guidance and opportunities to perform alongside their mentors and within local trad groups. A limited number of Uilleann pipes are available to rent through our instrument bank.
Email info@musicgenerationmayo.ie for more information
Erris Strings
Weekly Group Violin Classes
led by
Finola Reilly
Delivered in partnership with Arás Inis Gluaire the Erris Strings programme is inspired by the renowned Scoil Úna Naofa/St. Agnes’ School Violin Project in Dublin. Children learn to play the violin through a fun, engaging, aural-based approach, with music reading introduced gradually as they progress along their musical journey.
Email info@musicgenerationmayo.ie for more information
Foxford Brass
& Reed Band
Wind & Brass Group Classes
as part of a
Mixed Age Community Band
Music Generation Mayo in partnership with the historic Foxford Brass & Reed Band offers young people aged 9 and up the opportunity to learn brass and reed instruments. Through subsidised group lessons led by Music Generation musicians, participants develop instrumental skills while becoming part of a vibrant, multigenerational performing band based in the heart of Foxford.
Email info@musicgenerationmayo.ie for more information
Instrument Bank
Instrument Bank
Mayo Library/MGM
Instrument Rental Scheme
Castlebar, Ballina and Belmullet
Children and young people under the age of 18 can rent instruments from three local libraries in the Mayo Library system. Instruments can be rented for six months (with one renewal, if desired, and provided there is no waiting list for the instrument). Rental fee (with a deposit) is affordable. Library membership, which is free, is required for instrument rental. You can find our Instrument Cleaning/Sanitisation protocol . Music Generation Mayo, in partnership with Mayo County Co. Library Service, has also developed an extensive music library, resources which are also available on loan.
More information here