The DIPC is delighted to embark on its Schools Programme, getting primary school children in Central Dublin excited about the piano!

This wonderful programme, run by Maki Mutai, involves introducing children in 4th, 5th and 6th class to piano repertoire, while also providing them with background knowledge of its history and mechanics.

The programme introduces piano repertoire through video and/or live performance in their schools.  The schools involved in this project include: Laurence O’Toole Senior Boys School D1, St. Peter’s NS Phibsboro D7, St. Malachy’s BNS Raheny D5, St. John Bosco Senior Boys School D7, Bunscoil Synge Street D8, and Dublin 7 Educate Together.  During these visits, Maki is also introducing the school children to basic keyboard skills, guiding them to play beloved songs.

It is the DIPC’s aim to have children dream big and hopefully one day, have competitors whose love for piano started with this exciting programme.

It is planned to continue the programme in 2025.

“St. Peter’s National school have been honoured and blessed to avail of the services and talent of Maki Mutai (as part of the Dublin International Piano Competition’s Schools Programme) over the course of two sessions at the end of November and early December ’24.  Maki has been very flexible, engaging and really interested in drawing out, promoting and developing the talents of our very lucky 5th class pupils.  Their class teacher (Ms. Horan) was very impressed with the progress and scope of musical experiences Maki introduced to the pupils over the course of a mere 90 minutes.” -Raymond Ryan, Principal of St. Peter’s, D7.

“We received two magical music/piano sessions where our boys were completely absorbed by Maki‘s personality, her skill, her teaching and her enthusiasm.  Some of the boys who rarely engage with external educators were stimulated and have subsequently asked about ‘the next session’.  Some boys who claimed to ‘hate’ music were converted by Maki‘s approach and her multisensory teaching style.  I can safely say the experience opened our eyes to the possibilities of music and how it can captivate such a diverse group of children.  Maki would be welcomed back with open arms if ever the opportunity arises in the future.  We are delighted that a selection of our boys were exposed to such musical genius and we know that this short input will live long in their memories.” -James Hayden, Principal of St. Malachy’s, Edenmore.