Local music education partnerships can now apply for the second round of funding from Music Generation.

The inaugural Music Generation National Seminar took place recently in Dublin (pictured), with young musicians from Louth, Mayo and Sligo, the first three counties to be selected for participation in Music Generation, performing for attendees.

Funded by U2 and the Ireland Funds, the programme aims to help ‘children and young people access vocal and instrumental tuition in their local area’. The intention is that the music education partnerships will continue with exchequer funding once the current funding ends.

Tony O Dálaigh, Chairman of Music Generation said, ‘We are delighted to announce the second round of funding available to Music Education Partnerships around the country. Music Generation has helped to build national momentum for music education.’

The terms of the fund state that Music Education Partnerships (MEPs) are eligible to apply for 50% funding, up to a maximum of €200,000 per year over three years. An MEP must include at least one ‘statutory agency’ (local or regional groups ‘such as a VEC or a Local Authority’) as lead partner.

Funding can be used towards vocal and instrumental tuition costs, equipment costs, music libraries, administration costs and also new strands of tuition in an existing school or community group. Music Generation has said ‘it is expected that three MEPs will be selected for funding in Round 2.’

The closing date for Round 2 applications is 5pm, Thursday, 3 November, 2011.

Detailed guidelines and all application details are available from www.musicgeneration.ie