Building on the hugely successful 2022/2023 programmes, Wicklow County Creative Ireland Team and Music Network are rolling out a programme of musical activities for county Wicklow residents aged 55 and over.

This year’s participants will receive tuition on violin, harp and flute with renowned musicians Rachael Masterson (violin), Rachel Duffy (harp) and Susan Doyle (flute).

The project is due to be launched in the last quarter of 2026 and will run into the second quarter of 2027. Participants are receiving eight one-to-one lessons and three group lessons with others playing the same instrument. The project will conclude with three large ensemble sessions, where all participants will join together with the professional musicians to play music learned during the project. As well as playing together, participants meet for coffee sessions and chats on wide-ranging musical topics and more. Places on the residency are limited to 15.

Mary Walsh, a previous participant in the project, spoke about her experience of returning to playing an instrument through the residency: “I really loved the course and am so glad that I took that first step of applying…I think after the ripe old age of 65, you tend to lose a lot of your confidence in your musical ability, and I can truly say this project has brought my love for music back to life again.”

The project is based at Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Newrath, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.

" "I really loved the course and am so glad that I took that first step of applying…I think after the ripe old age of 65, you tend to lose a lot of your confidence in your musical ability, and I can truly say this project has brought my love for music back to life again.""