Semester 1
MU5401 Technique, Repertoire and Style 1
This module provides progressive performance tuition on the individual instrument to the highest standard within studio teaching, masterclasses and performance practice classes. The purpose is (1) the development of instrumental skills aiming towards technical fluency and mastery, (2) the building of repertoire knowledge relevant to the instrument, and (3) making informed choices of interpretation by understanding musical performance styles relevant to the history and tradition in the classical genre. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of the music-making and artistry demonstrated by the student, and to prepare students for public performances that aim towards professional level.
MU5411 Ensemble 1
An inherent part of a performing musician’s milieu is the art of collaborative playing. It must be constantly explored and valued as an artistic form of musical expression. Solo playing brings to bear the focus of individual decisions, while ensemble playing requires additional skills and a particularly-developed musical approach based on the ability to weigh musical options and opinions in the light of other individuals playing in the same continuum. Goals of the module include exploration of the instrumental duo, trio, quartet, etc. For keyboard players, the module may include vocal or choral accompanying and an opportunity to study figured-bass and continuo. Collaboration with dancers, writers and artists from other disciplines is also encouraged. Ensembles are directed and coached by faculty and tutors at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as by members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
MD8011 Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 1
The aim of this module (formerly called “Creative Process”) is to explore ways of documenting practice, with a focus on documentation through writing. Specifically, the module will explore two central questions:
How can we document and represent what we do as performers? What is the value of doing so? Students in this context will also have the opportunity to develop an independent study area.
Semester 2
MU5402 Technique, Repertoire and Style 2
This module provides progressive performance tuition on the individual instrument to the highest standard within studio teaching, masterclasses and performance practice classes. The purpose is (1) the development of instrumental skills aiming towards technical fluency and mastery, (2) the building of repertoire knowledge relevant to the instrument, and (3) making informed choices of interpretation by understanding musical performance styles relevant to the history and tradition in the classical genre. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of the music-making and artistry demonstrated by the student, and to prepare students for public performances that aim towards professional level.
MU5412 Ensemble 2
An inherent part of a performing musician’s milieu is the art of collaborative playing. It must be constantly explored and valued as an artistic form of musical expression. Solo playing brings to bear the focus of individual decisions, while ensemble playing requires additional skills and a particularly-developed musical approach based on the ability to weigh musical options and opinions in the light of other individuals playing in the same continuum. Goals of the module include exploration of the instrumental duo, trio, quartet, etc. For keyboard players, the module may include vocal or choral accompanying and an opportunity to study figured-bass and continuo. Collaboration with dancers, writers and artists from other disciplines is also encouraged. Ensembles are directed and coached by faculty and tutors at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as by members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
MD8012 Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2
The aim of this programme of study is to continue the work of Writing and the Documentation of Practice 1 in exploring the creative process in artistic and academic work with a view towards investigating resonance, dissonance, and synchronicity between method in one’s performance practice and in the investigation of one’s specialist research project. Students in this context will also have the opportunity to develop an independent study area.
Semester 3
MU5403 Technique, Repertoire and Style 3
This module provides progressive performance tuition on the individual instrument to the highest standard within studio teaching, masterclasses and performance practice classes. The purpose is (1) the development of instrumental skills aiming towards technical fluency and mastery, (2) the building of repertoire knowledge relevant to the instrument, and (3) making informed choices of interpretation by understanding musical performance styles relevant to the history and tradition in the classical genre. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of the music-making and artistry demonstrated by the student, and to prepare students for public performances that aim towards professional level.
MU5053 Ensemble 3
An inherent part of a performing musician’s milieu is the art of collaborative playing. It must be constantly explored and valued as an artistic form of musical expression. Solo playing brings to bear the focus of individual decisions, while ensemble playing requires additional skills and a particularly-developed musical approach based on the ability to weigh musical options and opinions in the light of other individuals playing in the same continuum. Goals of the module include exploration of the instrumental duo, trio, quartet, etc. For keyboard players, the module may include vocal or choral accompanying and an opportunity to study figured-bass and continuo. Collaboration with dancers, writers and artists from other disciplines is also encouraged. Ensembles are directed and coached by faculty and tutors at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as by members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
MD5501 Irish World Academy of Music and Dance Autumn Elective
This module offers students the opportunity to pursue self-directed learning of an academic or performance-based project, under the guidance of the course director and an elective supervisor. The student may wish to use the elective to pursue a more specialised project in his or her area of study, or to access the other areas of expertise available at the Irish World Academy.
Semester 4
MD5522 Final Presentation
The final presentation involves a final public performance and written submission offered by the student as the culmination of the student’s work during the course of the programme. The module primarily concentrates on preparation for the final recital project while students continue to receive instrumental tuition and are required to work within the ensemble context. The presentation is designed in consultation with the course director and specialist faculty.
