A well attended music school in the heart of Armagh city has announced their “heart breaking” decision to downsize… heading back to “where it all began” with “just me, a few students and an acoustic guitar”.
M D Rafferty Music School – founded by award-winning educator Martin ‘Marty’ Rafferty – first opened its doors on Lower English Street in the city with the aim of “creating a space for people of all ages, backgrounds and all walks of life to get creative and learn a new skill”.
For his “unwavering determination to promote music and learning an instrument as a form of therapy to support young people’s mental health” Marty even picked the Inspirational Educator Award in Armagh I‘s People of the Year Awards in 2023.
He has always played an active role in the county’s music scene, often making appearances at Armagh’s St Patrick’s Day parade and popular Blues Festival. Wherever there is presented an opportunity to play – you can be assured, Marty will be there!
However, due to rising expenses and a change in personal circumstances Marty has had to make the incredibly difficult decision to downsize his company.
Explaining his rationale, Marty said: “Our expenses have simply shot way up, which pretty much made it unsustainable to keep going as an organisation and plus for me personally, it was causing me more stress than joy to keep it afloat, along with the added pressure of being responsible for every tutor and student that came through our door.
“My own circumstances have changed dramatically also, as I’m now way busier as a gigging musician, so I just no longer have the time, energy or passion to even explore other options to make it work.”
From July 1, Marty will be moving to his own, new premises just off Market Street where he will continue to teach his own rota of students.
He will also continue to honour any pre-booked obligations including school events and any work with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and other organisations.
Of his slightly amended business layout moving forward, Marty explains: “All student lessons will still continue, as each tutor will be handling their own rota independently. Some will stay in the same location and others will move.”
And in a word of thanks to those who have supported his journey – with special mention given to a “true friend” in his General Manager – he added: “I would just like to take this opportunity to thank every single student and tutor that’s been part of this amazing journey with me up to now and also say a special thank you to my general manager Dolan Byrne, who pretty much lived and breathed the school and worked 24/7 to provide the best possible service to every student/parent, whilst also looking after all tutors and managing everyone’s rota at the same time.
“He went above and beyond all managerial duties, and I sincerely appreciate everything he ever done for both me and the school and I’m so honoured to call him a true friend.
“When I told my mum all them years ago that I was employing my very first tutor, she looked at me and said, “No, when things get bigger, you start running into more problems for yourself.”
“Mum, I’m taking your advice right now and going back to where it all began, just me, a few students and my acoustic guitar.
“And so the next journey begins…”
