Despite the increasing availability of low budget recording opportunities, many talented musicians still find themselves in situations where the necessary framework for developing their talents is not available.

In the classical, jazz and trad genres in particular, it is essential to have access to high quality instruments and education in order to fully realise one’s potential. Through financial, geographical or health circumstances, these resources may not always be available.

This is where the IRMA Trust comes in. The Trust was established five years ago to “encourage equal opportunity and access to music, promote active participation for young people in music, and facilitate further education opportunities for young musicians.” Since then it has gone from strength to strength, organising unique performance, education and workshop events and enlisting the help of many seasoned musicians.

The four main threads of the IRMA Trust’s operation are the Instrument Bank, Masterclasses, Education Bursaries and Special Projects.

The Instrument Bank is pretty self-explanatory: a central library of high-quality musical instruments and equipment which are loaned to needy musicians on a per-project basis.

The Masterclasses are an ongoing series of countrywide workshops hosted by experienced musicians, where promising young students can hone their trade. Hosts have included Joanna McGregor (piano), John Holloway (chamber), Charlie Lennon (trad composition and arrangement), Finbar Furey (pipes) and the popular Samhlaiocht Chiarrai in Tralee (songwriting, guitar, drums, bass and DJing). In 2001 alone, 27 Masterclasses took place.

Education Bursaries are provided for financially-strapped players who want to learn in a more formal environment. Finally, Special Projects offers a separate fund to those organising specific events (performances, lectures etc.) who need a monetary helping hand.

The IRMA Trust’s sterling work shows no signs of slowing down – indeed their future projects are even more ambitious – but they are naturally keen for public awareness of them to be increased. Just as they consider all applications for bursaries, grants and instrument loans, they are also happy to accept donated instruments and sponsorship from musical well-wishers. Contact them at the address below.

web: www.irmatrust.ie, email: [email protected]

telephone: 01 284 5505