Athenry Music Studies Sept 2007

Athenry Music Studies was formed in 2005 by Katharine Mannion to answer the growing demand for locally based Leaving and Junior Music Classes outside school. Katharine had taught violin, piano and academic music courses privately in Athenry from l992 until she moved to Maynooth to complete her music degree. Returning to Athenry in 2003 with a starred first class honours degree, she worked with the City of Galway Music School as their Leaving and Junior cert teacher and violin tutor, and is currently director of Music Matters.

Katharine has now formed a partnership with Monivea music teacher, Helen Farrell. Helen is an experienced teacher with a Masters in Music Education and together they have seen Athenry Music Studies grow to thirty five students in five classes.

Both Katharine and Helen place huge emphasis on meticulous preparation in their teaching and the setting up of ideal conditions for their students. The class sizes are strictly limited, and a two year lesson plan is carefully followed to allow a large amount of exam practice, which is essential in helping their students achieve the best possible grade.

With the invaluable support of the principal and staff of Coláiste an Eachréidh, who have provided open access to their school and its first class facilities, Katharine and Helen are in the process of setting up a music centre in Athenry. As wcll as accommodating the Leaving and Junior Cert classes, Colaiste an Eachreidh hosts violin, piano and singing lessons and the newly formed Athenry Chamber Ensemble (A.C.E.) rehearses every Thursday evening. Membership of A.C.E. is open to any young musician, and instrumental teachers wishing their students to join may contact Katharine on (0877816811. This year A.C.E. are playing a programme of original music by Gort composer, Katharina Baker.

With research showing that music education is connected with superior memory, concentration skills and problem solving abilities this is an invaluable local service that hopefully will grow from strength to strength.

Emer Costello, violinist, pictured during her lesson in Coláiste an Eachréidh.