Core
Core
The Core is a resource for young musicians and schools in the Mayo community. It is run under the auspices of Music Generation Mayo and housed within Ballina Arts Centre. At The Core, young people aged 12 to 18 can engage in instrumental tuition, workshops, camps and regular performance opportunities such as open mics and showcases.
We also have a dedicated members only creative space which is kitted out with high quality equipment. We have lots of instruments including electric guitars, drums, piano, synths, a range of amplification, PA, and studio recording equipment. Members are introduced to a community of like minded musicians and music enthusiasts from all around the county. They can communicate on our private members only group chat and are encouraged to organise collaborations and jam sessions. Members are not only from the Ballina area but come from across the county engage in musical activity at The Core. Members of The Core also have access to a range of performance opportunities and get member discounts on all our classes, camps and workshops!
Our programmes
Designed to suit all ages and interests, from beginners to experienced artists. Explore a variety of art forms and find the one that sparks your imagination.
Tuition
Workshops
We deliver a wide variety of workshops and we are constantly updating and innovating. We also welcome suggestions from our members and programme activities based on their musical wants and needs. Here are some examples:
- Recording Basics
- How to set up a PA system
- Guitar Technology
- Drum Technology
- Percussion Ensemble Workshop
- Song Writing & Collaboration
- Preparing for a live performance
- How to release your music.
Camps
Camps are delivered and/or facilitated by Cathal Faughnan. Cathal typically takes on the role of lead tutor, however The Core will oftentimes collaborate with other organisations, specialists or industry professionals. Here are some examples of previous camps:
Camps
Camps are delivered and/or facilitated by Cathal Faughnan. Cathal typically takes on the role of lead tutor, however The Core will oftentimes collaborate with other organisations, specialists or industry professionals. Here are some examples of previous camps:
Recording and Production Camp.
Members of The Core had the opportunity to have their song professional produced by an Industry Professional. The successful applicant “Lean” had their track produced during a weeklong intensive camp. All participants engaged fully in the recording process and even performed on the track alongside the band. Participants also had the opportunity to do their own remix! This camp was extremely beneficial to those who were considering pursuing 3rd level music education in Engineering or Performance. In fact some of the Participants are now studying in Berklee Institute of Modern Music Dublin. The song “Stop” by Lean has since received radio play and is now on all online retailers including iTunes & Spotify. It can also be streamed on our website.
Recording and Production Camp.
Members of The Core had the opportunity to have their song professional produced by an Industry Professional. The successful applicant “Lean” had their track produced during a weeklong intensive camp. All participants engaged fully in the recording process and even performed on the track alongside the band. Participants also had the opportunity to do their own remix! This camp was extremely beneficial to those who were considering pursuing 3rd level music education in Engineering or Performance. In fact some of the Participants are now studying in Berklee Institute of Modern Music Dublin. The song “Stop” by Lean has since received radio play and is now on all online retailers including iTunes & Spotify. It can also be streamed on our website.
Music Industry, Band/Artist Camps
Music Industry, Band/Artist Camps
School Programmes
There are range of school programmes available through The Core for all years including Transition Year Programmes. All services from our Tuition, Workshops and Camps can be adapted and incorporated into a programme that best suits your school’s needs. School programmes and community projects can take place both at The Core or in the school itself if required. Here are some examples of school programmes:
Example A
- A group of TY students visit The Core to participate in weekly collaborative workshops. Students engage in performance, jamming, improvisation, song writing and recording activities over a 12 week period. They can then perform live representing their school at the Christmas (or end of term) showcase at the Ballina Arts Centre auditorium or venue of your choosing.
Example B
- A tutor visits the school on a weekly basis to deliver a similar programme to the one above. Students can also engage in an activity (or blend of activities) of your choosing from our camps and workshops listed in this brochure.
School Programmes
There are range of school programmes available through The Core for all years including Transition Year Programmes. All services from our Tuition, Workshops and Camps can be adapted and incorporated into a programme that best suits your school’s needs. School programmes and community projects can take place both at The Core or in the school itself if required. Here are some examples of school programmes:
Example A
- A group of TY students visit The Core to participate in weekly collaborative workshops. Students engage in performance, jamming, improvisation, song writing and recording activities over a 12 week period. They can then perform live representing their school at the Christmas (or end of term) showcase at the Ballina Arts Centre auditorium or venue of your choosing.
Example B
- A tutor visits the school on a weekly basis to deliver a similar programme to the one above. Students can also engage in an activity (or blend of activities) of your choosing from our camps and workshops listed in this brochure.
Membership
Members of The Core…
- Have access to the rehearsal space and recording facility.
- Are first to hear about our upcoming industry workshops and performance opportunities.
- Get added to our private members only WhatsApp group where they can interact with members from all over the county.
- Get special discounts on workshops and tuition.
- Get free mentoring and feedback sessions from an experienced touring, recording artist.
- Can book free advice clinics.
- Can participate in our frequent open mic evenings, camps & workshops without the sign up procedure.
- Get help in organising and preparing for a live performance
- Get help in organising and preparing for recording and releasing their music.
- Have a say in what we programme at The Core. After all it is YOUR music space.
- Members also get concession tickets to shows at the Ballina Arts Centre. This an exciting way to see professional touring artists at a fraction of the price.
Open Mic
The Core open mic is a monthly event where we transform the mezzanine area of the Ballina Arts Centre into a vibrant and intimate performance space. The stage is open to young musicians and performers aged 12 to 18 and can even accommodate full bands! It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet likeminded musical people from across the county and get experience performing in front an attentive and appreciative audience. It’s also an opportunity to meet members of The Core, get a tour and even sign up to become a member yourself! As always, friends and family are more than welcome to come along and our performers always appreciate the support! More info is listed on our website and social media.
Performers have gone from their first performance at The Core Open Mic to performing at our showcase events and festival stages and some of our members have even feature on radio and TV!
WHAT IS MUSIC GENERATION?
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme. Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. To learn more aboutMusic Generation Mayo and Mayo MEP please visit www.MusicGenerationMayo.ie
Get Involved
Schools interested in taking part can contact our Education Team to learn more about current projects, booking information, and funding supports. Together, we can inspire the next generation of creatives.