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 unique two-year full-time programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass. The course is designed for 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 Dalcroze, Baroque, Improvisation, Body Mapping, Chamber Music, Feldenkrais, Orchestral Excerpts and Large Ensemble skills.
PROFESSIONALISM
What makes the the programme unique is its focus on creating embodied, integrated, vibrant musicians, equipped to thrive in the modern professional environment.
The aim is to finesse solo, chamber music, orchestral skills and audition preparation, whilst developing a greater awareness of the importance of the body, creativity and all-round musicianship. Students are invited to explore what it is they really want to say with their music, as they prepare to enter the profession.
The ICO is renowned all over the world for its approach to chamber music-making and this lies at the heart of this MA programme. There is a strong focus on the importance of practical experience, professionalism and the joy of creative music making.
The programme is led by members of the ICO who rehearse, tutor and perform with the students. Former MA students are now members of the ICO and many past pupils are regular extra work guests. As this course is considered the final step into the profession, our students work on what is required to make this important transition, including orchestral excerpts and skills, preparing for and experiencing real life auditions.
In addition, there are regular masterclasses and workshops by internationally acclaimed visiting directors, soloists, and guests of the ICO, as well as a chance to join and interact with the global gathering of musicians, dancers, and scholars operating at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
MUSICIANSHIP
There is a strong focus on developing all round musicianship, through regular Dalcroze, improvisation, rhythm and aural training workshops. There are workshops on performance technique, overcoming performance anxiety, developing efficient practicing skills and much more. We also offer pedagogy classes because we believe learning how to be a good teacher is important in developing your own reflective practice. With a view to developing a rounded musician, students are offered electives each semester. Options include:
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- 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, Diane Daly
Viola Faculty: Joachim Roewer, Cian O Dúill
Cello Faculty: Aoife Nic Athlaoich, Christian Elliot
Double Bass Faculty: Malachy Robinson
Chamber Music Faculty: Ellen Jansson
STRING QUARTET BURSARY
A string quartet bursary has recently been unveiled for a quartet wanting 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 September 2023, please apply to the University of Limerick graduate school on the link below.
www.ul.ie/gps/course/classical-string-performance-ma
You may also contact the course director diane.daly@ul.ie directly sending:
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- 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.
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We recognise that each individual student is on their own personal journey of musical discovery. Due to the student centredness 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 course director diane.daly@ul.ie
For Visa purposes if any student requires an earlier audition, this can be facilitated.