MA Classical String Performance

Introduction

Master of Arts in Classical String Performance in association with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

This MA in Classical String Performance at the University of Limerick is a two-year full-time programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass. This unique Masters course focuses on the needs of the individual student and is aimed at gifted string players as the final step towards a professional career.

Students receive weekly 90-minute individual lessons, technique and performance skills classes, combined with intensive weekly classes in Chamber Music, Dalcroze, Baroque, Improvisation, Body Mapping, Feldenkrais, Orchestral Excerpts and Large Ensemble.

PROFESSIONALISM

The programme is unique in its focus on creating embodied, integrated, vibrant musicians, equipped to thrive in the modern professional environment.

Refining solo and chamber music skills whilst developing a greater awareness of the importance of the body, creativity and all-round musicianship, students are encouraged to explore their own ‘personal path’ towards realising their full musical potential. As the course is considered the final step into the profession, students are offered ample opportunities to prepare for this transition through structured orchestral excerpts and -skills classes, audition preparation, and an annual ‘real-life’ audition.

At the heart of this MA programme lies the Irish Chamber Orchestra – world-renowned for its approach to chamber music-making. The programme is led by Principal players of the ICO who rehearse, tutor and perform with the students. The focus here is the importance of practical experience, professionalism and the joy of creative music making. Former MA students are now members of the ICO and many alumni are regular guests.

Students also benefit from regular masterclasses and workshops by internationally acclaimed visiting directors, soloists, and guests of the ICO, and the opportunity to join and interact with the global gathering of musicians, dancers, and scholars based at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.

MUSICIANSHIP

The Course focuses strongly on developing all-round musicianship through regular Dalcroze, improvisation, rhythm and aural training workshops. Other workshops include performance technique, overcoming performance anxiety, developing efficient practicing skills etc. Pedagogy classes are also on offer, as we believe learning how to be a good teacher is important in developing one’s own reflective practice.

Students are offered electives each semester, with the aim of developing well-rounded musicians. Elective options include:

- Traditional Irish Music/Dance
- Gamelan ensemble
- Vocal /Instrumental improvisation
- Aerial Dance
- Somatic movement, eg. Feldenkrais/Pilates/Yoga
- Contemporary dance
- Song writing
- Jazz

TEACHING FACULTY:

Violin Faculty: André Swanepoel

Viola Faculty: Joachim Roewer

Cello Faculty: Aoife Nic Athlaoich

Double Bass Faculty: Malachy Robinson

Chamber Music Faculty: Ellen Jansson

STRING QUARTET BURSARY

A string quartet bursary is on offer for a quartet aspiring to give their ensemble the strongest conceivable start to professional life. The quartet will have access to coaching from the top chamber musicians in the country as well as ICO directors and guests. In addition, the ensemble would receive individual lessons, performance practice forums along with opportunities to perform nationally and internationally.

CLASSICAL/TRAD FUSION

For classical players with an interest in traditional Irish music, the course offers unrivalled opportunities – the Irish World Academy Of Music and Dance is the centre of traditional music studies in Ireland. Electives are tailored to allow musicians on the MA in Classical String Performance to develop their performance practice alongside some of trad’s greatest virtuosi.

To apply for a place starting in September 2024, please apply to the University of Limerick graduate school through the link below.

www.ul.ie/gps/course/classical-string-performance-ma

You may also directly contact the acting Course Director André Swanepoel: andre.swanepoel@ul.ie, sending the following documents:

- - a current CV
  - a cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why you are interested in this MA programme
  - a recent video recording, for example, a first movement of Mozart or other classical concerto (Mobile and tablet recordings are acceptable as long as the audio and visuals are clear and of a good quality.)
  - After consultation with the course director, you may be offered an audition, either online or in person.

Closing date: Applications are now being accepted. Limited places are available so early application is advised.

We recognise that each individual student is on their own personal journey of musical discovery. Due to the student-centred aspect of this holistic programme, we welcome applications throughout the full year. We hold regular auditions, online and in person. To find out when the next auditions will be please write to the acting Course Director andre.swanepoel@ul.ie

For Visa purposes if any student requires an earlier audition, this can be facilitated.

For more information – andre.swanepoel@ul.ie

Programme of Study

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 geared 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. Whilst the focus in Solo playing is on individual decisions about the music itself, Ensemble playing requires additional skills and a well-developed musical intelligence based on the ability to weigh musical options in the light of other individuals playing in the same continuum. This module engages students in ensemble work with members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and faculty of the Irish World Academy, through classes, workshops, seminars, and performances with a host of international performers, conductors and directors working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra on a regular basis. Goals of the module include exploration of the larger chamber orchestra, as well as various ensemble models: the duo, trio, quartet, etc., including string-piano repertoire. Collaboration with vocalists, dancers, writers and artists from other disciplines is also encouraged.

MD6071 Written and Documentation Practice 1

The aim of this module 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.

MD6051

Independent Study 1, or a choice from other electives.

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

This module engages students in ensemble work with members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and faculty of the Irish World Academy, through classes, workshops, seminars, and performances with a host of international performers, conductors and directors working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra on a regular basis. Goals of the module include exploration of the larger chamber orchestra, as well as various ensemble models: the duo, trio, quartet, etc., including string-piano repertoire. Collaboration with vocalists, dancers, writers and artists from other disciplines is also encouraged.

MD6072 Written and Documentation 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.

MD6072

Independent Study 2, or a choice from other electives.

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

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 students as the culmination of their 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.

Applications

Entrance Requirements:

A primary degree with first or second class honours

an approved equivalent qualification

an equivalent capability based on prior professional experience

A performance audition and interview will be required in all cases.

We hold regular auditions throughout the year, online and in person. To find out when the next auditions will be please write to the acting Course Director andre.swanepoel@ul.ie

A limited number of places are available. Early application is advised.

If an audition is offered it may either be online or in person.

HOW TO APPLY:

https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/classical-string-performance-ma

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Graduate School
Foundation Building
University of Limerick

Tel: +353 61 234377
Fax: +353 61 233287
Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK ACADEMIC CALENDAR:

Click here for UL Academic Calendar

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE:

Click here for UL International Office

POSTGRADUATE FEES:

Click here for Postgraduate Fees

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Click here for a list of scholarships available to prospective Irish World Academy of Music and Dance students.

Testimonials

“This course is gently guiding me in the direction of becoming not only a true musician, but a true artist. The opportunity to prepare in a holistic way for auditions, integrating Dalcroze, Body Mapping and much much more with the expert teaching and coaching from the top professionals from the Irish Chamber Orchestra and providing us with a broader artistic knowledge has helped me develop as a player and person and has given me the confidence to grow.”

Jane Hackett

“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the course and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next. Working with the musicians from the Irish Chamber Orchestra so closely has been inspiring and an amazing opportunity I will never forget. I believe that this is the only course in the world that offers such a creative embodied approach to playing a string instrument”

Renee Neeson

“We each receive a lot of individual attention and care. We are then able to concentrate on whatever areas we feel are most in need of improvement.”

Andrew Sheeran

“When I did the MA Classical String Performance, I was involved in many collaborative projects including live performances with dancers, filming and recording sessions and it was an amazing experience. The facilities and atmosphere at the Academy make it easy to embody your ideas in a creative practice. Currently I am doing a PhD at the Royal Holloway, University of London and studying at the inspiring Irish World Academy was a brilliant platform for my doctoral research.”

Elena Alekseeva, Student 2012- 2014

PhD Candidate, Royal Holloway, University of London

Lecturer in Digital Music Production, School of Arts & Media, Southampton SOLENT University

https://youtu.be/OzOPcStEjic&nbsp

Videos and MA Playlist

To view recent student performances and get a taste of our programme, please see below.

E-Viewbook Brochure