Patrick and Bronagh Davey have been teaching traditional music in a wide range of primary and post-primary schools for many years, principally in the Greater Belfast area but also further afield.
Primary Schools
In primary schools, tuition is normally provided from Primary 4 age upwards and is usually given to full classes, on the tin whistle. Schools are provided with appropriate collections of music and these form the basis of the tuition throughout the school year. Students also have the opportunity to join a school traditional music group, which usually meets during lunchtime or after school. This complements the class tuition and also allows students to hear other instruments and develop performing experience, as the school traditional music group is often called upon to perform at important school events and concerts.
Those students who display particular motivation and aptitude can also enter for the traditional Irish grade examinations of The London College of Music, and this has proven very successful in our schools with a 100% pass rate: our most recent school grade exam entry produced the following results: 87% distinction and 13% merit.
Post-Primary Schools
In post-primary schools, tuition is normally provided on an individual basis. Students are provided with appropriate collections of music and these form the basis of the tuition throughout the school year. Students also have the opportunity to join a school traditional music group, which usually meets during lunchtime or after school. This complements the class tuition and also allows students to hear other instruments and develop performing experience, as the school traditional music group is often called upon to perform at important school events and concerts.
Those students who display particular motivation and aptitude can also enter for the traditional Irish grade examinations of The London College of Music, and this has proven very successful in our schools with a 100% pass rate: our most recent school grade exam entry produced the following results: 87% distinction and 13% merit.
Special Projects
Patrick & Bronagh Davey have also worked on one-off projects in other schools. In 2009, they worked with the children of Elmgrove Primary School in East Belfast on a project to compose a song on the theme of the Irish famine. Patrick & Bronagh worked with the children over a number of weeks as they composed a melody which was then set to words by the children. The song was performed in front of a live audience in St. George’s Market, Belfast, during a major event celebrating cultural diversity. In 2011-12, Patrick & Bronagh worked with the children of St. Anne’s Primary School in South Belfast, on a project marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Under Patrick & Bronagh’s guidance, the children composed a suite of pieces telling the story of the Titanic from the initial concept right through the construction in Belfast shipyard to the departure of the ship from Belfast Lough in April 1912. The piece, which was complemented by a dramatic interpretation by other St. Anne’s pupils, was filmed and sent to other schools throughout Europe as part of St. Anne’s PS' involvement in The Commenius Project.
If you would like to enquire about our school tuition programme, please email info@daveymusic.com
