Mayo music school sees huge success on open day

Westport Art & Music School’s open day on bank holiday Sunday was a huge success, quickly filling their class schedules.

The free open day took place on Sunday, August 4, where the Westport Art & Music School held an event for the public to come and meet the crew, try out some instruments and check the place out. The day was a great opportunity for those looking to learn a new instrument to test it out before committing to lessons. 

Westport Art & Music School expressed their thanks to their team of music teachers, and said schedules are ‘almost full to the brim’ for the next term commencing next month.

The music school offers a range of classes in their premises on James Street, in Westport town. 

_{Alex Connor-Wood, Roisín McNulty, Sarah Burns, Laurice van den Oosten, and Jamie van den Oosten}

Since opening five years ago by founder and owner Laurice van den Oosten back, they have successfully taught over 850 students and employed over 50 local musicians and artists in the locality and surrounding area.

They provide lessons in several instruments including guitar, piano and voice, as well as art classes for kids and adults and events such as jamming sessions, open mics, recitals and more.

The school provides itself as a centre for the Royal Irish Academy of Music three times a year as well as selling music books and equipment such as strings, tuners, capos and more.

Working closely with Autism Friendly Town Westport, Westport Art & Music School are looking to make their services and location more suitable for those with sensory needs. 

Additionally, they offer newcomers the option to rent instruments for a weekly fee and are always open to facilitating events and workshops of interest to the people of Westport.

“There seems to be little to nothing for that age group to do in the town, and we can’t quite get the numbers to run anything,” said a Westport Art & Music School team member.

Those looking to take lessons in the next term can get in touch with the school to be put on their waiting list for classes on (098) 44 573(087) 463 or 1158westportartmusicschool@gmail.com.

Additionally, you can visit their website.