We are having a Band Camp this week at The Core!

Band Camp in The Core, Mayo.


Calling all talented teenagers and musicians! The Core will be running a band camp in the Ballina Arts Centre July 4-6. It is open to all levels and all instruments. So, bring your Didgeridoo!
Date: July 4-6 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Ages: 13-17
Come be creative, hone your skills and showcase your talents! In association with Ballina Arts Centre and Music Generation Mayo, we want to create a supportive and inspiring environment where participants can learn, collaborate, and grow as musicians.
Meet other young people interested in music. Register now to secure your spot!
Contact Cathal on 0877485954

or

email: [email protected]

Recording Camp

Our first Recording Camp of the Summer at The Core!

From June 27-29th, we will have a summer camp in the Ballina Arts Centre.

Teenagers (Ages 12-18) will learn to produce a song from start to finish.

All skill levels are welcome.

Contact Cathal at 0877485954 or

email: [email protected]

Summer Camp June20-22: Breaking Creative Blocks Through Songwriting

Unleash Your Musical Potential at The Core’s Summer Camp

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming summer camp for ages 12-18 that aims to break creative blocks through the power of songwriting. This three-day program, in association with Music Generation Mayo, is for aspiring songwriters and musicians of all skill levels. Held in the Ballina Arts Centre, this camp offers the opportunity to explore the art of songwriting and overcome creative obstacles.

The summer camp will span three days, running from 10am to 1.30pm, providing participants with ample time to dive deep into the world of song creation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, this camp offers a supportive environment to nurture your creative talents.

The camp offers flexible pricing options. For those looking to attend a single day, the cost is only 20 euros, while the full three-day package is available at a discounted rate of 50 euros. The Core members will benefit from further discounts, making this an affordable opportunity for all aspiring songwriters.

Participants will explore various aspects of song-writing. From finding inspiration to crafting melodies and writing lyrics, the camp will cover the essential elements of the song-writing process. Through engaging workshops, collaborative activities, and personalized guidance, attendees will learn techniques to overcome creative blocks and develop their unique musical voice.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to break through creative barriers and unlock your musical potential. Join us for three days of exploration, collaboration, and growth, as you go on an exciting song-writing journey. Register today and get ready to unleash your creativity in the supportive and inspiring atmosphere of The Core.

Contact Cathal

E: [email protected]

Ph: 0877485954

Improvisation Workshop with Chris Guilfoyle (Improvised Music Company)

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.

Summer Camp- July 2022

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

Open Mics announced! Ballina Salmon Festival 2022

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

Become a member of The Core, Thursday July 7th, 11am

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.

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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.