Open Call: Music & Health Guest Musician Panel 2024-2025

In collaboration with our healthcare partners, Music & Health Ireland seeks expressions of interest from professional musicians to join our panel. Selected musicians will facilitate workshops and public engagement activities in healthcare and community settings, demonstrating a commitment to using participatory and collaborative methodologies.
All musical genres are welcome. Musicians must be available to work freelance during the weekdays in hospitals and other healthcare facilities across Ireland. Inclusion on the panel does not guarantee work but ensures consideration for upcoming opportunities during the specified period.

Call to Professional Musicians:

Music & Health Ireland invites professional musicians from all genres and backgrounds to apply to join a Musicians Guest Panel for opportunities within healthcare and community settings across Ireland in 2024-2025. Musicians selected will join a guest panel and may be engaged in delivering participatory music experiences that enhance the health and well-being of - children in hospitals and schools, - families, - hospital patients, - healthcare staff, and - older adults through our creative initiatives.
Only musicians whose practice focuses on artistic outcomes that enhance health & well-being (arts & health), rather than therapeutic or clinical outcomes (art therapy), will be considered. Musicians must be experienced in using participatory and collaborative music-making methods, making their performances engaging and interactive for diverse audiences without the need for amplification.
Acceptance onto the panel does not guarantee work but will place you in consideration for various projects and events as they arise and as your skills and experience suit the project. The musicians chosen will work on a freelance basis and undergo Garda Clearance, Child Protection, and Hand-Hygiene training.

About Music & Health Ireland: Music & Health Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation that provides high-quality music-making opportunities in healthcare, community, and educational settings. The organisation brings live music interactions into healthcare settings led by professional musicians with specialised training for Community and healthcare Settings. Their approach to this dynamic field of arts practice is consciously grounded in cultural interaction rather than clinical goals.
Music & Health Irelands’ vision is for an Ireland where everyone’s life is enriched by high-quality live music, delivered with their needs in mind, whatever their situation. Their multidisciplinary programme includes participative workshops, live music, and public performances, creating a positive impact on health and well-being.

How to Apply [Online Form]
Applications should include the following in their online application:
● A Biography
● Example of practice: 2-3 audio/video
● An Expression of Interest outlining:
● How might you engage with patients and/or staff?
● Why are you interested in working in a healthcare context?
● Which locations you are interested in?
● Your availability from September 2024 to December 2025?

Submit applications to Music & Health Ireland online at LINK no later than Monday, 29th July 2024, at 5.00pm.

Selection Criteria:

To be considered for a position with Music & Health Ireland, applicants must meet the following criteria:

● Musicianship:
○ Instrumentalist with the ability to use their voice /or a singer with proficiency in an accompanying instrument.
○ Experience in performing with other musicians and more than one genre.
○ Proficiency in a varied repertoire, including Folk, Popular, and Old-Time Tunes.
○ Strong instrumental skills for both accompanying and leading.
○ Creative abilities, including improvisation and responsive interaction with groups or individuals.

● Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
○ Effective communication skills.
○ Strong interpersonal skills suitable for engaging with diverse audiences.

● Desire to Learn:
○ Demonstrated ambition and a commitment to continuous learning of new repertoire.

● Participatory/Collaborative Practice:
○ High-quality participatory and collaborative practice, with evidence of effective public engagement.
○ Responsiveness to the healthcare environment, ensuring practices enhance health and well-being.

● Experience and Suitability:
○ Relevant experience, as shown in the application and supporting materials.
○ Demonstrated originality and competency in artistic practice.

Applicants should exhibit a strong dedication to using music to enhance the health and well-being of individuals in various healthcare settings.

Notification and Further Information
Shortlisted musicians will be notified Friday 2nd August 2024. For further information, contact Music & Health Ireland at email [email protected]

Music & Health Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to inclusion in all aspects of its work. We, therefore, welcome and invite applications from all suitably qualified and experienced musicians across musical genres, as well as across the identity groupings of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In the recruitment process, accommodation measures can be provided to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions -

1. What does Music & Health Ireland mean by a professional performer? Music & Health Ireland defines a professional performer as someone who engages in paid, public performances as part of their portfolio of work.
2. What type of music and performers is Music & Health Ireland looking for? We welcome all types of live music and performers, provided they can demonstrate a commitment to participatory and collaborative methodologies. Musicians must be available to work in one or more counties, including Cork, Dublin, Meath, Louth, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and Waterford. Programmes and Projects are based all around Ireland, so musicians from any location can apply. However, only musicians whose practice focuses on artistic outcomes that enhance health and well-being (arts and health) will be considered. Musicians should be able to work in community settings, making their performances engaging and interactive for diverse audiences without the need for amplification.
3. Can applicants perform with more than one instrument? Yes. Mention this in your application and, if possible, demonstrate performances with each instrument in your video submission. If selected to attend the introductory workshop on August 9th, bring all the instruments you intend to use.
4. What should applicants expect from the Initial Introductory Workshop Day [August 9th] with Music & Health Ireland? The Introductory Workshop Day will take place on August 9th in Dalgan Park for short-listed applicants. It is a supportive and non-competitive session where musicians demonstrate their abilities, learn new skills, and explore techniques for engaging community audiences.
5. Is there an age limit for applicants? Applicants must be over 21 years old. There is no upper age limit.
6. Do applicants need a formal music qualification to join Music & Health Ireland? No formal qualifications are required. We welcome musicians from both formal and non-formal training backgrounds who are actively performing at a professional level.
7. How does Music & Health Ireland support musicians with additional requirements or access needs? We are committed to removing barriers and welcome discussions about any accessibility concerns. Musicians with additional requirements are encouraged to contact us for support.
8. What is the application process for Music & Health Ireland? The application process includes submitting an online application form and uploading materials, including a short video. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Guest Panel Shortlisting workshop on Friday, August 9th, in Dalgan Park, Co. Meath.
9. What kind of work can musicians expect with Music & Health Ireland? Musicians will primarily engage in interactive music engagement as part of a team of 2 to 3 musicians in healthcare settings such as care homes and hospitals. Most engagements occur on weekdays during the daytime.
10. How are musicians compensated for their work with Music & Health Ireland? Musicians are paid competitive fees for training, project meetings, delivery and evaluation sessions.
11. What type of training will musicians receive? Musicians receive comprehensive training, mentoring, and support to enhance their skills in engaging and interactive performances.
12. Can musicians work for Music & Health Ireland while doing other freelance or paid work? Yes, musicians are freelance and can take on other performances and work. They should have some availability during weekdays for Music & Health Ireland engagements.