Ms Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh:

Gabhaim míle buíochas as an gcuireadh seo. Mar a dúirt Séamus Mac Cormaic cúpla nóiméad ó shin, táim chun caint faoi chonas a chabhraíonn CCE le tionsclaíocht cheol na hÉireann.

How do the comhaltas education services aid the Irish music industry? Ar an gcéad dul síos, tá níos mó ná 1,000 ranganna ceoil, amhránaíochta agus damhsa ag an gcomhaltas gach seachtain. More than 1,000 music, dancing and singing classes are organised throughout Ireland every week. Some 700 teachers have qualified to date with the TTCT, the teastas i dteagasc ceolta tíre, a teaching diploma recognised and accepted by the Teaching Council. This diploma has been run by the comhaltas for over 30 years.

Classes are divided into instrument classes, which concentrate on the skills of playing the music on every traditional musical instrument and group classes, which direct the young musicians in teamwork and dynamics of group playing. The children are coached in performance of a number of styles during these classes. These increase the experience and confidence of young performers, thus preparing them for a variety of performance stages such as solo playing, group unison and harmony, seisiúin, concerts, tours, music exams and competitions. Regional ensembles are trained to perform at many events, such as gig rigs at all fleadhanna ceoil, up to and including Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The scrúdú ceol tíre, SCT, exam is a 12-level graded performance examination system, based on best international practice, which provides a structured learning framework for students. The senior grades also require written submissions from candidates, as part of the exam, on various aspects of our culture, thus ensuring that candidates have an excellent understanding of the history and background of instruments, famous musicians, events, etc.

All branches organise recitals, concerts and seisiúin for their students to aid and increase the experiential learning opportunity. Many of these events are run for the benefit of other community groups, thereby adding a valuable extra dimension of providing entertainment while helping others in the community. Social capital is therefore built within these groups from a very early stage. Youth exchange programmes with groups both within Ireland and abroad are organised annually and are important activities for sharing and reinforcing the traditions. They serve as a valuable life experience for many young people.

Competitions in fleadhanna ceoil provide young musicians with invaluable opportunities to gain public performance experience. As Séamus said, some 25,000 competitors take part in these fleadhanna ceoil every year. In Ireland alone, some 37 fleadhanna ceoil provide thousands of young musicians, singers and dancers with a platform to perfect their playing and performance.

Summer camps also introduce traditional music, song and dance to many children throughout the summer months. They provide an opportunity for young members to learn about event management throughout the organisation and running of these camps. The apprenticeship style of learning is most often adopted here, with senior comhaltas members encouraging and actively aiding the younger members to take ownership of these youth events. Scoil Éigse, the annual week-long summer school of master classes and recitals is attended by up to 1,000 students. Many students attend these classes having achieved scholarship standard at provincial fleadhanna ceoil. A FETAC accredited course for the production and performance of traditional Irish arts runs annually in Brú Ború, Cashel in County Tipperary. It has been in operation for approximately 15 years at FETAC level five.

In summary, CCE provides formal and informal music education services to children and people of all ages. We are very proud of our members who have gone on to become commercial artists, not just in Ireland but throughout the world. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.