IRMA launch music 'starter packs' initiative

The Irish Recorded Music Association have linked up with The Arts Council and Music Network to make €130,000 available to equip rehearsal spaces for young bands around the country.
15 high quality ‘starter packs’ including guitars, amps, drum-kit, digital piano, P.A. system, recording equipment, mics, accessories and additional hardware are up for grabs, along with a very nice gentleman or lady who’ll set the gear up, conduct an introductory workshop and hand you €500 to spend on any other gadgets or gizmos you might need.
“The big thing for bands starting out is the expense and the lack of someone helping them along,” proffer Delorentos, who’ve lent the scheme their support. “The IRMA Trust has provided this money to set up facilities and have instruments available so that they can go along and get started. Young acts should approach their own local centres and encourage them to apply!”
Rehearsal facilities, venues, music collectives, youth and community groups and resource organisations have up until September 29 to download an application form from www.musicnetwork.ie and once completed mail it to [email protected]
"The IRMA Trust is pleased to partner The Arts Council on a national scheme of this nature,” enthuses IRMA Trust Director Dick Doyle. “The Trust has invested over €1.5million to date in helping young people gain access to music. What this scheme is all about is bringing rehearsal facilities locally to young bands."
This is the final scheme that the Trust will launch before it closes its doors at the end of 2008.