School of Music for Edenderry

A pianist whose professional career was halted because of a wrist injury is to open a music school in Edenderry next month.

Emilia Paliulyte has performed with the National Chamber Orchestra of Lithuania, the Midlands Youth Orchestra and UCD Symphony Orchestra. Now she’s hoping to pass on her love of music to children in the north Offaly area via Eden School of Music.

“Eden School of Music is unique because we blend classical training with pop songs, which means that the students get a very rounded education and also a chance to play the songs that they really like as well as preparing for Royal Irish Academy exams,” Emilia explained, adding that the benefits of music for children include improved memory, concentration and confidence as well as teaching patience and allowing for their creative side to show.

It was Emilia’s grandparents who helped her discover her passion for music, and she said she’s still encouraged to broaden her musical horizons and reach for the next level.

“I’ve been playing piano since I was five, finished a music school with top grades, gotten diplomas and acted as parish organist for a few years,” she said.

“My dedication to practice and hard work meant that I was able to compete in competitions, perform with the National Chamber Orchestra of Lithuania, Midlands Youth Orchestra and UCD Symphony Orchestra, for which I received a scholarship. I also took part in RTE’s talent show ‘Class Act’ and taught in eight different schools in south Dublin.

'A wrist injury stopped me from a career as a professional pianist, and I was left with this incredible passion for music and lots of knowledge that I couldn’t use. Teaching children how to play piano turned out to be even more rewarding, because I could inspire and help other people perform music that they’ve always wanted to play.”

Three other teachers - Brian Grieco, Conor Dempsey and Trisha Mulraney - share Emilia’s dedication and passion for music, and will help to deliver lessons at Eden School of Music.

“They are all the best of the best in their areas,” Emilia said. “We, as a team, cover many different types and genres of music that means students get the exact blend of information that they need. We offer 14 different classes, from piano, guitar and Irish instruments to sound engineering and DJing so children have plenty to choose from.”

Emilia says Edenderry is a lovely town, but needs more activities for children.

“That’s what we are trying to achieve with Eden School of Music,” she said, “to engage children in after-school activities that are fun and also educational.

'Belonging to a school is brilliant for children as they get to interact with other kids with the same interests, which encourages them to learn more.”

Two open days will be held at Eden School of Music on September 1 and 8, when parents and children can take a look at the premises and the classes on offer.

More information is available at www.edenschoolofmusic.com.