Month: December 2016

The full-time music education programmes of the renowned Newpark Music Centre, Ireland’s primary centre for jazz and jazz-related music education, are moving to Dublin City University and will be consolidated into a new DCU BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance.

The new degree programme will be available to students for September 2017 entry. A key feature of the degree is its links with, and the facility for students to transfer into, the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston – one of the most prestigious music schools in the world in the field of contemporary music. It is expected that this degree will be of great interest to both domestic and international students.

Application to the programme will be through the CAO, with auditions held in March and April 2017. Irish students, and all EU students, will be entitled to free fees, paying only the annual registration charge (student contribution).

The new programme will be delivered on DCU’s Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses and, with its focus on performance, will complement the existing DCU music offerings, which currently include the Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours) and the Bachelor of Religious Education and Music. Course modules will include Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Aural Training, Ensemble Performance, Composition and Arranging, Jazz History, and Music Business.

Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU, commented;

“We are delighted with this new development that will enrich the university in many significant ways. With our new Institute of Education and our expanded Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, music now forms an integral part of DCU’s cultural fabric. This latest offering in the jazz and contemporary music genre, with its exclusive focus on performance, is a very welcome addition. We are very grateful to Newpark Music Centre for the constructive negotiations that led to this important development.”  

Matthew Nicholl, Associate Vice President of Global Initiatives at Berklee College of Music in Boston, said;

“Berklee and Newpark have had a strong partnership over the past 15 years. The move of Newpark’s full time offering to DCU offers an exciting opportunity to grow and develop relationships that will benefit both institutions, bringing new educational opportunities for music students and to the larger musical community in both Ireland and the world.”

For further information about the programme, visit https://www.dcu.ie/courses/undergraduate/theology_philosophy_music/BA_in_Jazz_and_Contemporary_Music.shtm

In response to the crisis in Syria a small group of Irish bands have come together to put on a fundraising night this Monday, December 19th in The Workman’s Club. All the proceeds of the night will go towards funding vital humanitarian groundwork in Syria.

The organisers will be working with Syrias Vibes, a Dublin based charity who are currently fundraising to put two new ambulances on the ground in Syria. Syrias Vibes was created by Dublin born DJ – Calvin James to support the civilians of Syria in their plight for freedom and safety. They’re currently at 44% of their goal, with one ambulance expected to be active by next week. Organisers are hoping that a sold out show could help to make this a reality.

The night boasts a great line up from the Irish music scene that will include music from Paddy Hanna, Tandem Felix, Floor Staff, Participant, Myles Manley and Cal Folger Day as well as DJ Set from Ben Bix of Meltybrains? and some special guests.

Calvin James of Syrias Vibes will also speak on the night about his experiences in Syria.

Show at 8pm and tickets are €10 on the door

You can also donate directly to the Syrias Vibes ambulance fund here:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/scoop/syriasvibesambulance

or to MSF (Doctors Without Borders) here: https://www.msf.ie/syria

RTÉ 2FM announces a media partnership with Youth Work Ireland’s Irish Youth Music Awards programme. The Irish Youth Music Awards is an all island youth music educational programme and this partnership will see 2FM partner with the awards and bring awareness of this youth music programme to its national audience.

Speaking today Head of 2FM Dan Healy said – “We believe that Youth Work Ireland’s Irish Youth Music Awards is a brilliant programme supporting young people’s development around music education and we are very happy to provide a space on the airwaves to promote these exemplary awards that really nurture youth music talent across the country. 2FM will provide promotion around the programme throughout 2017 as well as covering the National Day in the Aviva Stadium and we believe this is a great partnership which we hope to further develop”.

The IYMAs programme launched last October and will run over the forthcoming months finishing with a youth music festival in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 22^nd April 2017. Last year saw hundreds of young people attend the event, which featured over thirty-six up and coming acts play across two stages, a large educational hub for anyone attending to join with workshops by BIMM lecturers covering topics such as song writing, drums and lots more. This event is open to all to attend and tickets are now available here from Eventbrite priced €20 including booking fee.

Irish Youth Music Awards Director Barry Lennon added “It’s great to form this media partnership with 2FM and to further provide opportunities and exposure for young people involved in the IYMAs programme. It’s important that we invest in the future of the creative and music industries in this country as they are such a vital cultural export and we hope to obtain more exposure for young acts involved in the programme on our National airwaves through radio and TV appearances over the coming year”.

The overall recipient region will be announced at the National Day in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 22^nd April 2017. Performers on the day will be chosen to represent their region at local live selection events and will be supported by a team comprising of all other contestants from their region taking on individual music industry roles. The winning region will receive recording time in a studio with backline provided by Music Maker Dublin. They will also produce an album of their own released on physical CD with a professional design. The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through iTunes, Spotify and many more outlets. The album released this year featuring acts from Youth Work Ireland Galway’s team and the IYMAs singer songwriter awardee entered the Irish compilation charts at number five.

IYMAs partners and supporters include The Department of Children and Youth Affairs, BIMM Dublin, LinkedIn Learning, IMRO, Music Maker, Gaisce – The President’s Award and Youth Action Northern Ireland.

The Irish Youth Music Awards National Day takes place in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 22^nd April 2017. Tickets are now available here

Application: Please send a CV and covering letter to finance@nullimro.ie
Salary: On request
Fixed Term Contract
Deadline for applications is midday Friday 16th December 2016

Purpose of Job

The Accounts Receivable Finance Assistant is responsible for the efficient, effective and accurate maintenance of the financial transactions of IMRO. The job holder also lends support to the Finance Manager in carrying out all duties assigned to the Finance Department.

Organisation Chart

Key Responsibilities

• Follow established procedures for processing cash, Cheques, Direct Debits & Standing Orders
• Maintain up-to-date billing system
• Perform account reconciliations
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies
• Maintain accounts receivable customer files and records
• Prepare bank deposits
• Investigate and resolve customer queries
• Process adjustments
• Assist with month-end closing
• Planning and organising work effectively to meet agreed job objectives.
• Use personal judgement and initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions to challenges and obstacles encountered.
• Maintain regular consistent and professional attendance, punctuality, personal appearance.
• Adhere to local and externally relevant health and safety laws and policies.
• Adhere to IMRO company procedures.
• Deal with any ad hoc requests for information.

Working Contacts

• Director of Finance, Distribution & HR
On a daily basis regarding all financial and policy matters.
• Finance Manager
On a daily basis regarding all financial and policy matters and co-ordination of work.
• Banks
On a regular basis regarding daily lodgements of cash / cheques received.
• Auditors
Annual/Interim Statutory Audit
• Heads of Departments and Staff Members
On a regular basis regarding any queries.

Challenges Faced

• Lodgement and recording of daily cash / cheques,
• Management of Direct Debit function,
• Daily monitoring of all movements on main bank accounts held by the company,
• Participation in the preparation of timely financial information to tight deadlines,
• Prioritisation of tasks,
• Flexibility to work outside normal working hours if necessary,

Knowledge and Experience

• Prior experience of Accounts Receivable preferable
• Knowledge of office administration and procedures
• Familiarity with all elements of Microsoft Office is required.
• Job holders should have strong organisational abilities and possess keen attention to detail.
• Holders should be able to work as a team as well as working on their own initiative.
• The holder is also required to have excellent communication skills.

Guidance is provided by the Director of Finance, Distribution & HR, the Finance Manager & the Finance Assistant.