I'm Martin McGill, Head of Music here at Nerve Centre. We are starting 2025 with a bang as applications open for a cross-border youth music initiative.
About the Isle of Song programme
Isle of Song is a new music project, beginning in March and concluding in October 2025. This collaboration between Music Generation Laois and Nerve Centre brings together children and young people aged 10–18 from Laois, Offaly, and across Northern Ireland.
Young people passionate about music and songwriting are invited to participate. The project involves two residential music camps (one in Antrim and one in Laois), where participants will:
- Form and play in a band
- Collaborate with peers to write original songs
- Receive guidance from experienced mentors
- Perform at Stendhal Festival in Limavady and The Fort in Portlaoise
The project culminates with showcase events in September and October 2025, held at Nerve Centre in Derry~Londonderry and Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.
Who can apply
- Eligibility: This programme welcomes applicants aged 10-18 from Laois, Offaly, and Northern Ireland
- Commitment: Participants must be able to attend all project dates
- Cost: Free of charge (includes meals, accommodation, transport, and workshops)
- Application Deadline: Monday 20 January, 5pm
Learn more about the project and submit your application here.
Rosa Flannery, Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois, stated:
"Isle of Song will unite 50 young musicians from across Ireland, fostering creativity, collaboration, and the development of original music. We believe this project will have a profound impact on participants, enabling them to meet like-minded individuals, explore new places, perform at festivals and professional venues, and even record and release new music.
We particularly encourage applications from children and young people from marginalised backgrounds. This project represents a significant investment in nurturing the creative skills of our youth."
Funders
Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education initiative, supported by U2, The Ireland Funds and The Department of Education. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council. Learn more about Music Generation Laois.
