The Digital Hub and BIMM Institute Dublin launch The Liber8 Music Project

The Digital Hub and BIMM Institute Dublin are collaborating to pilot a unique, ground-breaking afterschool music programme for 13-to-17-year olds living within and around the Liberties area of Dublin 8. Titled ‘The Liber8 Music Project’, the pilot programme represents an exciting first-time collaboration for The Digital Hub with BIMM Institute Dublin.  The programme will engage with some of Dublin’s most renowned musicians as tutors to the students, including Kieran McGuinness, lead singer and guitarist from Delorentos, Louise McNamara, vocalist and guitarist in the twin sister duo group Heathers and James Byrne drummer for Mercury-nominated and Choice-prize-winning band, Villagers.

The Liber8 Music Project has been designed to give young people who may have limited exposure to music and digital media, an opportunity to immerse themselves in a creative environment, whilst being introduced to some of the 21st Century Skills necessary to support their future careers. The pilot programme will run during the 2017/2018 academic year with two classes of 20 young people attending the 10-week programme.  The classes will be held twice a week at The Digital Hub and BIMM Institute Dublin with the first group starting in October 2017. The Liber8 Music Project is free to attend for successful applicants.

Commenting on the launch of the new programme, Fiach Mac Conghail, Chief Executive Officer at The Digital Hub said: “We are excited to launch this new learning initiative with one of our local partners, BIMM Institute Dublin. Our community is located in one of Dublin City’s most vibrant districts and its young residents now have a wonderful opportunity to unleash their creativity and learn new music and digital media skills in a fun environment. At The Digital Hub, we are committed to the local community and we continue to deliver learning programmes for all people across all age groups.”

Course content for The Liber8 Music Project has been specifically developed by music education experts and practitioners within BIMM Institute Dublin. Over the course of 10 weeks, young people will complete three modules. The ‘Music Styles’ module will invite participants to go on a journey through various styles of music, what they sound like and what they mean. In the ‘Introduction to Performance Techniques’ module, the young people will learn to use the guitar, bass, drums or vocals, culminating with a live performance at the end of the programme. Finally, in the ‘An Introduction to Recording and Sound Design’ module, participants will explore the use of technology to make the music they love.

Speaking on behalf of BIMM Institute Dublin, Alan Cullivan, College Principal at BIMM Institute Dublin said: “With The Liber8 Music Project, BIMM Institute Dublin aims to play a part in exposing students from Dublin 8 to life at a third level college with the aim of reinforcing the idea that attending college is an attractive option, as well as a realistic goal.

“With an established presence in the heart of the Liberties on Francis St. and The Coombe since 2011, BIMM Institute Dublin is actively supporting and adding to the development of the local community by establishing this exciting new project in collaboration with the team at The Digital Hub.”

The Liber8 Music Project will be rolled out as part of The Digital Hub’s expanding range of community learning initiatives with the Liberties area of Dublin 8. Interested young budding musical artists can apply online through The Digital Hub website. Closing date for completed applications is Monday, 2 October.