The MA Ritual Chant and Song is a programme which explores the voice and its use in ritual contexts. At the heart of the programme, is an investigation of the voice (through one-to-one vocal technique classes as well as somatic practices such as Alexander Technique) as well as specific ritual vocal repertoires. Western plainchant (Gregorian chant) is the core chant repertoire studied and the programme has been developed in association with Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in the environs of the campus. Other chant repertoires including Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic and Orthodox chant traditions are also explored through introductory classes with guest tutors. Drawing on the expertise in Irish traditional music, dance and song at the Academy, Irish traditional religious song is studied as a core repertoire. The programme has a student vocal ensemble called Lucernarium which also allows for the exploration of choral traditions, from the liturgical compositions of Palestrina to contemporary Gospel music. Each year, guest tutors also introduce a number of additional ritual vocal repertoires which have included traditions as diverse as Shona ritual song, to Syrian Orthodox chant. Vocal study is contextualised by seminars in Celtic spirituality, chant semiology, ritual studies, a survey of Irish religious ritual practices and a variety of methodological approaches to the study of ritual, including ritual ethnography and ritual composition.
The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance provides a unique environment for the study of ritual chant and song through complimentary Masters programmes in Ethnomusicology, Irish Traditional Music Performance, Music Therapy and Community Music, as well as an undergraduate programme in Voice and Dance. . The programme is offered in association with Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine monastery close to the University of Limerick campus where chant is sung as the primary music of the liturgy.
The programme was designed by Helen Phelan (Irish World Academy), in consultation with Nicholas Sandon (Exeter, UK), David Hiley (Regensburg, Germany) and Ronald Grimes (Wilfrid Laurier, Canada). Scholars and performers who have course directed or taught on the programme include Benjamin Bagby (USA/France), Malcolm Bothwell (UK / France), Lila Collamore (USA), Edward Foley (USA), Ronald Grimes (Canada), Michael Hawn (USA), Emma Hornby (UK), Katarina Livljanic (Croatia / France), Caroline Magalhaes (France), Edward Nowacki (USA), Nicholas Sandon (UK), Catherine Sergent
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