Music Network, which is conducting a feasibility study into the establishment of a series of publicly funded local schools of music, is inviting submissions from the public, writes Michael Dervan. The study, which has been funded by S∅le de Valera, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, is examining how Irish children can be provided with "local access to affordable instrumental vocal tuition to guaranteed minimum standards" in a way that will operate "separately from the mainstream provision of school education" and "complement rather than replace the Department of Education and Science's ongoing efforts to improve the provision of music education through the curricula". Anyone wishing to know more about the research or who would like to contribute their experience or wisdom to the study should contact Deirdre McCrea, Music Network's education and health-care manager, at 01-6719429, or e-mail her at deirdre@musicnetwork.ie.