Wicklow County Council and Music Network invite Wicklow residents aged 55 and over to take part in an exciting music project.

Photograph: The launch of the Wicklow Music Teaching Residency 2025/2026. Photo credit: Marlena Murphy

A shared learning opportunity for County Wicklow residents aged 55 and over, presented by Wicklow Arts Office and  Music Network.

This is the fifth year Wicklow Arts Office and Music Network are rolling out a programme of music learning and ensemble playing for those over 55 in the County.  

The project focuses on encouraging people over the age of 55 to return to playing an instrument and to share the joy of group music-making. Participants will receive free one-to-one and group tuition from the Skylark Trio, comprising renowned musicians Tim Doyle (concertina/fiddle), Patrick Stefan Groeland (guitar) and Claire Sherry (fiddle/banjo/mandolin). Instruments will be provided if necessary for the duration of the project.

The project will be based at Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Newrath, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow and is funded by Creative Ireland. An open call for applications will be circulated.  What is unique about this residency programme is that the teaching is by an ensemble of musicians from County Wicklow who come together to both teach and encourage shared playing. Two ensembles, the Barn Ensemble and Session 55, have been created by the participants independently of the programme in the last four years. These participants continue to lead their own learning and ensemble playing in a variety of different settings, from Libraries to art venues and nursing homes.