Exploring a community of musical practice: a case study of music generation Limerick City

Abstract

This research provides a case study of Music Generation Limerick City. Music Generation (MG), established in 2011, is a national music education programme in the Republic of Ireland. As of September 2022, MG provides music education programmes in 25 areas of the country with plans to expand nationwide. This study examines the work of one MG area – Music Generation Limerick City (MGLC). The research investigates to what extent does the performance music education (PME) approach of Music Generation Limerick City (MGLC) create communities of musical practice and to what extent do these foster social action? Research findings have been presented using Wenger’s domains of his social theory of learning (1998) – these include community, identity, meaning and practice. Two phases of data collection took place. Phase one, using focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews explored the experience of MGLC musician educators, classroom teachers, school principals and the MGLC development officer. Phase two of this study using semi-structured interviews explored the experience of MGLC programmes from the viewpoint of past and current MGLC participants.

The findings of this study showed that Music Generation Limerick City did indeed create multiple CoMP. This study has demonstrated that the creation of CoMP has the potential to provide the components needed for social action to flourish however, in the case of MGLC, this social action was limited and secondary to the educational remit of MGLC. Furthermore, it was evident in this research that CoMP also provide a structure to which PME programmes can be implemented and delivered. This research provides important insights into the role of partnership in the Irish music education system and demonstrates that while partnerships can be effective in the provision of music education, certain conditions of collaboration and communication are important factors in determining the success of such partnerships. The findings of this research will inform the future development of policy, practice and research of Music Generation Limerick City, Music Generation nationally and similar music programmes nationally and internationally.