Music Literacy Ireland (MLI) is a mobile music education service provider, responding to a demand for suitable workshops, courses, and supports for music teachers (private, music schools, secondary schools) and aspiring music undergraduates throughout the country. MLI works with educators from various sectors of music education towards improving music literacy and also offers a consultancy service for new and established music schools.
Contrary to popular belief, music literacy is not just about being able to read music, it considers all aspects of music-making – listening, performing, composing, discussing music, reflecting on music, music appreciation – and enhances any musical experience. Music literacy enables students, teachers, musicians, and music aficionados to internalise music, while providing teachers with a framework for their lessons and to develop a holistic music education experience.
Music Literacy Ireland’s Story
Over a decade of teaching and assessing music across many sectors of the Irish music education system highlighted the gaps between educational sectors as well as the need for standardisation. Music Literacy Ireland is a response to this.
Majella Boland noted that students were frequently encountering difficulties when transitioning from different sectors such as private tuition to second-level and from second-level to third-level. On a national level, she was aware of the increasing concerns about music literacy. Mindful that each sector or organisation has a specific objective and cannot always focus solely on systematically developing literacy from the start, this situation seemed like an unnecessary obstacle for those really passionate about music. With extensive experience in teaching, designing music courses, examining, arts administration, and a strong background in research, as well as passion for sharing knowledge, Majella’s diverse experiences brought together in one platform best serves her vision for music education and teacher support in Ireland. For these reasons MLI was founded, making literacy and teacher support its objective.
About Majella Boland
Dr Majella Boland is an experienced teacher, examiner, and arts administrator, with a strong background in research. She has 13 years teaching experience at third-level, has taught the Leaving Certificate music curriculum, and has taught group and individual piano as well as theory in music schools including Walton’s School of Music. Since 2013, Majella has been an examiner for the RIAM, is a former Senior Examiner for RIAM, and is the former Development Officer for Music Generation dlr. She has in-depth experience with music exam systems in Ireland and during her time as Senior Examiner she introduced many significant supports within the exam system. As Development Officer for MGdlr, she worked in the community setting with particular focus on socio-economically disadvantaged areas, special needs and neurodiverse organisations. She is an advocate for changing the narrative surrounding music; a change that is necessary for music to be considered on par with other disciplines. Majella’s background is rooted in musicology research and music education, skills she has transferred to Music Literacy Ireland, a platform where all her experiences are concentrated for your benefit.
