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Tin Whistles for Teachers

Tin Whistles for Teachers is the innovative new development in primary education brought to Irish teachers by the IRMA Trust in partnership with the Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) and the Department of Education and Science. This partnership will highlight the potential for introducing the tin whistle into primary schools, bringing melody into the classroom and the lives of all Irish children.

“The exciting new programme in Music in our primary schools enables all children to develop their musical abilities to the fullest and to experience the joy of both performing and responding to the music of others. The Primary Curriculum Support Programme will support teachers in developing new methodologies and teaching skills which will underpin the introduction of this wonderful new programme into our schools and classrooms. 

This generous gift from the IRMA Trust will be much appreciated in providing many teachers with a basis to expand their knowledge of melodic instruments and to inspire their pupils with the love of music for which we in this country are renowned.”

Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Education and Science

In 1999 the primary school curriculum was revised for the first time in almost 30 years. This new curriculum was developed from examples of best practice incorporating exciting changes and focusing on four key issues:

The change in focus aims to continue Ireland’s long and proud tradition in music by reinvigorating the way we transfer the gift of music to our children.

Between February and June 2005 all of Ireland’s 25,400 primary school teachers will undergo in-service training where they will be reintroduced to the art of playing a melodic instrument: the tin whistle. The new curriculum hopes that, by training the teachers, they will in turn be able to introduce the joys of music to the next generation encouraging young children to engage actively in music-making and to learn the skills involved.

The in-service training is delivered by 27 trainers who travel the country educating every primary school teacher in Ireland in listening and responding to music, performing and composing. The performing strand incorporates instrument playing and to this end the tin whistle is the perfect instrument. An indigenous instrument, it is accessible, affordable and easy to play, thus providing an ideal introduction to instrumental tuition.

The IRMA Trust has sponsored the purchase of tin whistles for all primary school teachers in Ireland as part of this first, critical stage in the implementation of the revised music curriculum. The IRMA Trust was set up and funded by the Phonographic Performance of Ireland (PPI) in order to encourage active participation in music among young people and have, since 1999, invested almost €1,500,000 in this work. Their anchor initiative is the Instrument Bank, through which they provide instruments on a loan basis for children and young adults, to encourage engagement in music making. They prioritise programmes in disadvantaged communities throughout Ireland.

While the IRMA Trust has been involved in many proposals for the restructuring of music education provision, they have not previously been in a position to provide direct assistance for music at primary school level. This is the first appropriate opportunity that the Trust has had to partner with relevant and pertinent agencies in music education.

The IRMA Trust hope that this in-service training marks a deeper commitment towards a longer-term development plan for music in education, with necessary support for instruments and teacher training, working towards a structured music education strategy. It recognises that the work of the PCSP forms a valuable contribution towards achieving that goal.

“This is an important development in the history of Irish music education. As a nation that prides itself on the richness of its musical heritage, we are obliged to ensure that our children are afforded the opportunity to actively engage in music and to be a part of that ongoing tradition. The programme provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of music education for Irish children. The IRMA Trust is proud to play a fundamental role in the programme.”

Jessica Fuller, Manager IRMA Trust.

The Trust wholeheartedly supports the PCSP Tin Whistles for Teachers project as part of a long-term strategy for the improvement and development of music education in the classroom. The IRMA Trust believe that this programme by the PCSP will be the catalyst for further investment in music education for young people.