b'here, cillian mcsweeney, one of the days performers and the composer of equal, sharesthoughts on his work and the difference that music generation is making to his musical life.Q. Cillian, have you always had an interest in music?will help me achieve my dream: to write and/or perform myAs a composer, how does music affect your life? music with someone famous. I want to show people what canA. I have always loved listening to music. As a child, I would be done with determination. watch music videos and listen to CDs all day long. I attended aschool for physical needs in Cork called Lavanagh where I first Q. You had the opportunity to perform an original compositiondabbled in writing lyrics and completed my first Fetac Level 3 in front of visiting donors from The Ireland Funds during the in music appreciation. I found for the first time in my lifeWorldwide Ireland Funds Conference in Cork. What was that like?I could express myself through writing lyrics. I joined Grinne A. That was a fantastic day! I usually get very nervous beforeMcHale in SoundOUT, and with her help and encouragement a performance, but on that particular day, there was a warmI came to see that I had a talent for this. She introduced me to feeling from the audience. I could feel they were enjoying it asSoundbeam andIwasabletoperformalongsideothermuch as we were. I was the last to perform when Grainne musicians to different styles of music, which was exciting as I introduced me as the composer as well as a musician; am disabled as well as nonverbal. I had just never imagined I thought I would burst with pride. I loved every bit of that there was another world out there! When I hear my name I feel performance and wished I could go on playing. The reactionproudofmyself.IstillhavetopinchmyselfwhenIamfrom the visitors was amazing and it will go down as one of myintroduced as a composer. Since I began composing, I find proudest moments.that I listen more intently to the words of the songs, especiallyif the song has any relevance to me or my life. Q. Where do you see your music education going? What are your plans for the future?Q. How did you learn about Music Generation? A. Now that Music Generation is on board, I feel confidentA. GrinneintroducedmetoMusicGenerationandthat the resources will be there in order for me to continueinformed me of this exciting new initiative that would help with my music education. With big names like U2 and The young people to have access to music education in our ownIreland Funds behind it, its going to make such a difference.locality. It means a lot to have such an organization. Last year It will open up a whole new world to young musicians in I wrote a song called Equal and was in the Knocknaheeney Ireland. It can only encourage others like myself who may notYouth Music Initiative, a band of young musicians in a local have access to music because of their disabilities. Music community who put music to my lyrics with the added bonus Generation Ireland has helped to show the world that everyoneof me using Soundbeam as an instrument. We even got tois equal and deserves an opportunity to express themselvesperform in the ras for President McAleese. It was followed through music. by some interviews in our local papers and I was on the localTV news; it was all very exciting. Q. Anything else youd like to share?A. I have been working the lyrics and music for a new songQ. What has Music Generation done for your musical training that Im excited about. I hope to record it in the autumn. I mustand education? mentionanotherveryimportantpersoninmylifemy A. MusicGenerationhasgivenmetheopportunitytopersonal assistant, Brian. He has been with me from the startperform my music locally. With the support of Music Gener- of my music career and has become a very special friend to meation, I can now access other training such as one-to-one and my family. He has helped me to start up a new venturesongwriting lessons. This has meant a lot to me. I have also called Cork Music Zone, an outlet run by volunteers to helpjust started to write my own music with an iPad and application young musicians. We just got news that Music Generation called Garageband. I struggle a bit as I can only use a head has donated an amplifier to get us started and I want to say pointer to access the iPad. It is hard work but I love it and it thank you.connect2012 | 39'