The Liber8 Music Project Class of 2019 Graduate at The Digital Hub

Two weeks ago, a showcase event was held for the graduating class of 2019 for ‘The Liber8 Music Project’. The event saw the participants from this year’s programme perform live on stage to an invited audience and was the culmination of weeks of hard work by both the students and tutors. The project is an exciting venture from The Digital Hub and BIMM Institute Dublin. This collaboration initially piloted in September 2017, and aimed to give 14-16-year olds from Dublin 8 and surrounding areas an opportunity to develop their creative, music and digital media skills. Following its initial success, it was announced in May of last year that the programme would return for the 2018-2019 academic year, much to the delight of local teenagers.

The programme is free to attend and is run outside of school hours over a 10-week period. During this time participants will complete three modules which cover music styles, performance techniques, and recording/sound design. Participants also have the chance to be tutored by Delorentos front man and guitarist Kieran McGuinness, as well as one half of sister group Heathers, Louise McNamara.

Fiach Mac Conghail, Chief Executive Officer at The Digital Hub commented on the success of the programme, “We are delighted with the success of this programme and we are committed to providing continued support for this initiative with our local partner, BIMM Institute Dublin. ‘The Liber8 Music Project’ allows young people to immerse themselves in a creative environment, whilst being introduced to some of the 21st Century Skills necessary to support their future careers. We believe programmes like this are essential for young people in the local community.”

Speaking on behalf of BIMM Institute Dublin, Alan Cullivan, College Principal at BIMM Institute Dublin said, “BIMM Institute Dublin aims to play a part in exposing students from Dublin 8 to life at a third level college with the aim of reinforcing the idea that attending college is an attractive option, as well as a realistic goal. Liber8 gives young people the opportunity to access their musical creativity and encourages them to develop their interests and skills. It helps them to realise that they can further their musical interests.”

After the programme’s completion, the feedback received from those who took part was overwhelmingly positive. They mentioned how the “tutors were amazing”, and they were able to “get out of our comfort zones” and make friends in the process. 100 per cent of the participants also said that they would like to pursue studying music after taking part in Liber8.