We are currently taking expressions of interest for instrumental and vocal tuition, January 2023.
Please click here to register

Improvisation Workshop with Chris Guilfoyle (Improvised Music Company) in partnership with The Core, Music Generation Mayo and Ballina Arts Centre. Wednesday 23rd November at 5.30pm €FREE for members of The Core / €5 non members. Open to all instruments, with a focus on guitar. This is an exciting opportunity for any young person wishing to gain an insight into the world of jazz music and improvisation in general. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Chris Guilfoyle is a guitarist, composer, bandleader, educator currently based Dublin. After completing his BA in Jazz Performance at Newpark Music Centre, Dublin in 2010 , He went on to receive a Masters Degree in Music Performance from Lucerne University, Switzerland in 2014. Over the last 10 years Chris has toured regularly around Ireland and abroad. Since 2011, Chris has been a member of faculty on Newpark Music Centre’s BA in Jazz Performance program, and has since become a Jazz Lecturer at Dublin City Univeristy where he teaches guitar and ensemble studies. He is also a founding member of the Dublin Jazz Co-op, a collective of Irish jazz musicians putting on weekly gigs in the Workman’s Club, Dublin. Chris leads his own group Umbra, a critically aclaimed quintet featuring some of the most promising musicians in the country. Umbra have released 2 records in the last 2 years and have toured extensively in Ireland and Europe. In his relatively short career, Chris has played with some of the biggest names in jazz including Dave Liebman, Jim Black, Tom Rainey, Theo Bleckmann, Nils Wogram, Ralph Peterson, John O’Gallagher and David Binney.

Please click here for more info and to enroll

Keep up to date with all things Music Generation Mayo by clicking here

The most recent newsletter can be found here

We are running another collaborative music making camp on July 25,26 & 27th. Participants will get to meet like minded young music enthusiasts and explore collaboration through processes of songwriting, performance and recording/production. These camps are very popular and participants are guaranteed a fun and transformative experience. For more info and to sign up please click here

The Core in partnership with Jackie Clarke Collection Ballina will run a series of lunchtime Open Mic concerts at the JCC Community Garden during Ballina Salmon Festival 2022 . We have decided to have add an open mic to our daily concerts @ Jackie Clarke Collection as part of the Ballina Salmon Festival 2022. If you or someone you know aged 12-18 would like to get involved please CLICK HERE

The music will start at 1pm on each day. There will be a house guitar and piano provided. For more detailed setups, this can be arranged in advance. Further info below on application form.

Queries: [email protected] or t. 087-7485954

Please click here to register

***PLEASE READ INFO BELOW BEFORE REGISTERING***

In order to become a member of The Core and avail of this wonderful resource for youth musicians / performers / music producers, prospective members must fully attend a live induction session at The Core.  This is required to activate membership and gain access to the service.  Advance booking is required. Please contact Philip on 0877485954 to book a place. The session lasts approx. 90 minutes – 2 hours. More info on membership benefits below.

Members of The Core…

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 a exciting way to see professional touring artists at a fraction of the price.

Membership fee is only €60 for 6 months or €100 for 12 months.  The fee is payable at induction. Induction sessions are ongoing. You will be contacted about upcoming induction sessions after the application form is submitted. Philip is happy to take a call on 087-7485954 if you need any assistance.

If you would like a tour , come along to our next Open Mic (See events page) or contact [email protected] or call 087-7485954 to make an appointment.

Testimonials

“My 13 year old son attended a Core camp this summer for the first time. He loved it so much he signed up for a second camp and has now joined as a member of The Core. His experiences have infused him with confidence and has grown him in branching out from classical piano to try other musical styles as well to his great delight. Philip’s great experience and encouraging style has had a tremendous impact on my sons’s music and his person. The new friends my son now has to jam with are an added bonus!”
-Brendan Meyerink, Ballina.

“I like The Core because it is an accessible, informal and non-competitive space for young people where their love of music is nurtured. It’s very well organised and a place where each student is encouraged to express themselves and try out different styles of music. Each student is valued as an individual and supported in their journey to build on their ability and follow their dream”
-Kathleen Collins, Cooneal.

“Ben has been a member of The Core since it began. He attends the open mic sessions throughout the year and The Core music stage lunchtime concerts during the Ballina Salmon Festival. Even though he doesn’t perform on stage, he prefers to concentrate on the sound/equipment offstage. Philip also runs music workshops throughout the year where they write, perform, record and produce songs, which Ben really enjoys as he gets tips and advice on sound engineering/production from fellow Core members and Philip. On the whole I find Philip very encouraging and approachable. He involves all Core members in all their musical interests and I know Ben is enjoying being a member.”
–Ann Lynott, Crossmolina.

“My Daughter was diagnosed with higher functioning Autism when she was 13,she felt very lonely and different from anyone else she knew. Her one love was music. We were told about Music Generation by Western Care ,she started out going to Jam Bands in Claremorris and then onto The Core in Ballina where she has thrived ! She has lots of friends who accept her for who she is and tutors /musicians who treat her as an equal and give her and every member all the support and encouragement she could ever need. She has performed in front of small crowds and in front of crowded streets in Ballina. Her confidence has soared and looks forward to every minute she spends with everyone in The Core. Joining was the best thing we’ve done for her.”
-Lisa

“The Core is a great outlet for young musicians to develop their talent with recording facilities provided and added opportunities for performing. It’s wonderful!”
–Aine Bashford, Carrowteige.

We are running a collaborative music making camp on June 28/29 & 30th. Participants will get to meet like minded young music enthusiasts and explore collaboration through processes of songwriting, performance and recording/production. These camps are very popular and participants are guaranteed a fun and transformative experience. For more info and to sign up please click here

Also, watch this space as we will be announcing more activities very shortly

Please click here to register

***PLEASE READ INFO BELOW BEFORE REGISTERING***

In order to become a member of The Core and avail of this wonderful resource for youth musicians / performers / music producers, prospective members must fully attend a live induction session at The Core.  This is required to activate membership and gain access to the service.  Advance booking is required. Please contact Philip on 0877485954 to book a place. The session lasts approx. 90 minutes – 2 hours. More info on membership benefits below.

Members of The Core…

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 a exciting way to see professional touring artists at a fraction of the price.

Membership fee is only €60 for 6 months or €100 for 12 months.  The fee is payable at induction. Induction sessions are ongoing. You will be contacted about upcoming induction sessions after the application form is submitted. Philip is happy to take a call on 087-7485954 if you need any assistance.

If you would like a tour , come along to our next Open Mic (See events page) or contact [email protected] or call 087-7485954 to make an appointment.

Testimonials

“My 13 year old son attended a Core camp this summer for the first time. He loved it so much he signed up for a second camp and has now joined as a member of The Core. His experiences have infused him with confidence and has grown him in branching out from classical piano to try other musical styles as well to his great delight. Philip’s great experience and encouraging style has had a tremendous impact on my sons’s music and his person. The new friends my son now has to jam with are an added bonus!”
-Brendan Meyerink, Ballina.

“I like The Core because it is an accessible, informal and non-competitive space for young people where their love of music is nurtured. It’s very well organised and a place where each student is encouraged to express themselves and try out different styles of music. Each student is valued as an individual and supported in their journey to build on their ability and follow their dream”
-Kathleen Collins, Cooneal.

“Ben has been a member of The Core since it began. He attends the open mic sessions throughout the year and The Core music stage lunchtime concerts during the Ballina Salmon Festival. Even though he doesn’t perform on stage, he prefers to concentrate on the sound/equipment offstage. Philip also runs music workshops throughout the year where they write, perform, record and produce songs, which Ben really enjoys as he gets tips and advice on sound engineering/production from fellow Core members and Philip. On the whole I find Philip very encouraging and approachable. He involves all Core members in all their musical interests and I know Ben is enjoying being a member.”
–Ann Lynott, Crossmolina.

“My Daughter was diagnosed with higher functioning Autism when she was 13,she felt very lonely and different from anyone else she knew. Her one love was music. We were told about Music Generation by Western Care ,she started out going to Jam Bands in Claremorris and then onto The Core in Ballina where she has thrived ! She has lots of friends who accept her for who she is and tutors /musicians who treat her as an equal and give her and every member all the support and encouragement she could ever need. She has performed in front of small crowds and in front of crowded streets in Ballina. Her confidence has soared and looks forward to every minute she spends with everyone in The Core. Joining was the best thing we’ve done for her.”
-Lisa

“The Core is a great outlet for young musicians to develop their talent with recording facilities provided and added opportunities for performing. It’s wonderful!”
–Aine Bashford, Carrowteige.

The Core invites young musicians aged 12-18 to perform at Jackie Clarke Collection Community Garden, Ballina as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2022 on Saturday June 11^th at 1pm. This lunchtime concert is open to singer-songwriters, solo performers, duos and bands and you don’t have to be a member of The Core to take part!  

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, school programmes and regular performance opportunities such as open mics, pop-up community stages and showcases. 

The Core also has a membership programme with a dedicated members only creative space which is kitted out with high quality equipment. The Core has lots of instruments including electric guitars, drums, piano, synths, a range of amplification, PA, and studio recording equipment. Members can use the resource autonomously for practice, rehearsal or recording. They are also introduced to a community of like-minded musicians and music enthusiasts from all around the county. They can communicate on The Core private members only group chat and are encouraged to organise collaborations and jam sessions. It’s all about having fun and making friends through music! 

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! 

The Core regularly organises performance opportunities for young musicians in Mayo. These include everything from open-mics to festivals and everything in between. If you would to take part on June 11^th at Jackie Clarke Collection, please click here to register your interest or contact Philip Cassidy (Music Generation Mayo) directly on [email protected] / 0877485954 for more information.