b'music generation in numbers 42,500engagements in music tuition by children and young people, who would not otherwise have had the choice of access or the chance to participate 350employment opportunities, mainly for musicians Tuition in800centres across11tuition contexts12Instrument BanksDelivery of56,200tuition hours150different programs offered across all genres of music8,300musical instruments for young musiciansPhoto: Paul MooreFor four years now, Music Generations South Dublin partnership has been work-ing together with St Ronans National Schoola multi-denominational, DEIS category school based in Clondalkinto establish a strings program. Students from third to fifth class, ranging in age from 8 to 12, receive weekly violin tuition and, in sixth class, are offered the chance to join the school strings orchestra. The impact of the partnership has already surpassed the expectations of the school staff, who have witnessed their students growth and achievement both within and outside of the music room. For the young musicians, the benefits of access and participation are perhaps articulated best in their own words: It makes me feel happy. It makes me feel manythingsits a part of me. Lets just say that whenIm down, it gets me back up.Photo: Naoise CulhaneIt makes me feel that I can learn anything I wantto learn. I like how Im just able to let go, and prettymuch just spread my wings.connect 201919'