This project invites residents of County Wicklow aged 55 and older to pick up the instruments they once played and start making music again. With the support of the Sundew Trio, through the initiative "Making Music in Wicklow: The Wicklow Teaching Residency," participants will receive support from experienced musicians and engage in group music making. This residency is a partnership between Wicklow County Creative Ireland Team, funded by Creative Ireland, and Music Network.
The project focuses on helping participants return to playing their instruments and experience the joy of making music together. Participants will benefit from free lessons with professional musicians and have access to instruments throughout the program. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to connect with fellow budding musicians.
This year, participants will receive tuition from the Sundew Trio on the violin, harp and flute with renowned musicians Rachael Masterson (violin), Rachel Duffy (harp) and Susan Doyle (flute).
The program will run from November 2026 to March 2027. Participants will receive eight individual lessons and three group lessons with others playing the same instrument. The residency will culminate in three large ensemble sessions where all participants will join together with the professional musicians to perform the music learned during the project. Alongside music making, they will also be coffee sessions and discussions on a variety of musical topics.
Mary Walsh, a former participant, shared her experience: ""I really loved the course and am so glad that I took that first step of applying…I think after the ripe old age of 65, you tend to lose a lot of your confidence in your musical ability, and I can truly say this project has brought my love for music back to life again."
Applicants must be 55 years or older, reside in County Wicklow, and have some prior experience playing one of the listed instruments. While some experience in reading music is helpful, it is not a requirement. The program will be held at Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.
Commenting on the announcement, Sharon Rollston, CEO of Music Network, said, “We are thrilled to announce the call out for this our sixth Wicklow Teaching Residency. Following on from the previous residencies, we’re delighted to be able to give even more people the opportunity to rekindle their love of learning and playing music. We warmly welcome Rachael Masterson, Rachael Duffy and Susan Doyle on board, who we know will guide and inspire participants with their vast musical knowledge and expertise.”
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Caroline Winstanley, remarked, “Wicklow County Council’s County Development Plan is committed to fostering an ‘Age Friendly’ region. This Music Residency exemplifies the actions we will take to fulfil this commitment from 2022 to 2028.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman, stated, “Drawing on the musical backgrounds of ensemble-in-residence The Making Music in Wicklow, the tuition programme will offer participants the opportunity to explore music across classical, folk, pop and world music genres.”
Places in the residency are limited to 15, and priority will be given on a first come, first served basis.
Participants must be available on all project dates, a full list of dates is available on Music Network’s website.
https://www.musicnetwork.ie/whats-on/making-music-in-wicklow-the-music-network-teaching-residency-2026
For more information about the project and to apply online, visit www.musicnetwork.ie
or contact Claire Auston on 083 095 5956 or 01 475 0224
The closing date for applications for Making Music in Wicklow: The Music Network Teaching Residency is Tuesday 27 October 2026 at 2pm.
This residency is presented by the Wicklow County Council Creative Ireland team and Music Network, funded by Creative Ireland. Special thanks to Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew.