Foróige GoVirtual Case Study 2: Music Making in a Virtual World

Foróige, Music Generation Galway City & Tusla: Music Making in a Virtual World
Imagine stepping into a world where music wraps around you, where sounds and rhythm live in three dimensions, and where collaboration can happen without needing to be in the same room – or even the same town.

That was the vision behind Music Making in a Virtual World, a pilot project bringing together Foróige’s GoVirtual and GoSonic teams, Music Generation Galway City, and Tusla Family Services. The goal? To reach young people facing real barriers to connection – social, geographic, emotional – and give them the tools to create, collaborate, and be heard.

Using platforms like Rec Room and the music-making app PatchWorld, young people came together in immersive spaces to explore sound, make beats, and build confidence. With strong support from facilitators, youth workers and parents, the project helped bridge the gap between technology and creativity, between isolation and belonging.

Not everything ran smoothly – tech glitches and attendance challenges were part of the journey. But the wins far outweighed the hiccups. Participants discovered new skills, grew in confidence, and felt genuinely seen and valued. When the final session ended, they didn’t want it to be over.

One young person pathwayed to explore employment support through VR. Another joined a face-to-face music group. Another embraced the opportunity to join a Foróige GoVirtuall youth group The Alternate Spacers. The spark had been lit.

This wasn’t just about music. It was about using digital tools to unlock potential, give voice to talent, and remind young people that they belong – and that they have something worth sharing.

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