New grants available for music education in Mayo schools

NEW grants are available for music education in Mayo schools, and local music groups and organisations should apply.

Minister of State Alan Dillon has encouraged local groups to apply for the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme.

He explained: “The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is now open for applications to help organisations provide music education in schools. A total of €100,000 is available in grants which allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment.

“This scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uilleann pipers and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in non-mainstream music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

“I am encouraging Mayo music groups and organisations with a track record in music education or community and youth-based music projects to apply. These grants can help them provide invaluable music education to children in our local schools.”

Interested and eligible organisations are invited to make their applications for grant funding under the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2025 by April 10.

Organisations must submit their application by April 10 in order to have it considered for the grant funding by the committee for Non-Mainstream Department of Education funded Music Education.