MA Irish Traditional Music Performance

Introduction

The MA Irish Traditional Music Performance is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme designed to provide advanced tuition in the performance of Irish Traditional Music. Instrumental and vocal tuition is enabled by a community of world-renowned traditional performers and tutors.

Critical examination of repertoire sources and styles of performance, as well as an examination of modern vocational non-performance skills such as music business and music technology, form an essential part of the programme content. Elective modules allow the student to access the many areas of academic and performance expertise available at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.

Students of the programme have the opportunity to work with some of the finest
and most well known performers in traditional Irish music and related traditions. Weekly classes are provided by our permanent team of highly renowned instrumental tutors. A particular feature of the programme is the number of visiting tutors where students have unparalleled and extensive access to leading international performers.

Aims and Objectives:

To develop music skills and other associated skills appropriate to the modern performance of Irish traditional music
To provide a learning environment for advanced performance in Irish traditional music to the highest standard
To honour the artistic integrity, history, and identity of the performance practice within an academic and performance orientated context
To facilitate interactivity with other performance practices
To assist each individual performer in ‘finding his or her voice’ through traditional music performance to facilitate the cross-fertilisation of both the academic and performance pursuits of postgraduate performing music, dance and academic programmes
To equip the student with the necessary vocational skills for modern performance contexts

Students have contact with some of the finest and most well known performers in traditional Irish music and related traditions. Weekly classes are provided by our permanent team of instrumental tutors. However, a particular core feature of the programme is the number of visiting tutors to the programme where students have unparalleled, extensive access to the leading performers internationally. Students also have an important say in the choice of tutors who visit in the academic year.

Some of our visiting tutors have included Martin Hayes, Tommy Peoples, Frankie Gavin, Kevin Crawford, Matt Molloy, Jean Michelle Veillion, Brian Finnegan, Donal Lunny, Steve Cooney, Mary Bergin, Enda Scahill, Mikey Smith, Ryan Molloy, Matt Cranich, Noel Hill, Charlie Harris, Micheal O Raghallaigh, Dermot Byrne, Karen Tweed, Laoise Kelly, Joe Burke, Kieran Hanrahan, Liam O’Connor, Any Irvine, Roisin White, Niall Vallely, Catherine McEvoy, Nan Tom Teaimín De Búrca, Tony MacMahon, Dave Milligan, Marcus Moloney, Alec Finn and many, many more.

Regular tutors include Siobhan Peoples, Eileen O’Brien-Minogue, Derek Hickey, John Carty, Jim Higgins, Niall Keegan, Kieran Munnelly, Majella Bartley, Tommy Fitzharris, Alan Colfer, Tadhg Ó Meachair, Conal O’Kane, Karan Casey, among others.

Programme of Study

Semester 1

MU5611 Traditional Irish Music Practicum 1

In this module students create, design and manage their own performance programme under the supervision of the Course Director. To this end students attend instrumental / voice classes with tutors in a variety of teaching contexts, adopted in accordance with the needs of the student and the optimum teaching environment for the tutor. These classes will be masterclass style. As part of this module there is also an emphasis on various ensemble performances, which are constructed in workshops led by the students and visiting tutors.

MD6021 Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques

In this module you will learn appropriate methods and techniques for research and documentation of performance practices in the field. Topics relating to fieldwork, ethical principles, participant observation, interview techniques, and fieldnote taking are covered. Key issues in epistemology and methodology for such research will be raised and discussed and will be informed by supporting literature.

MD6071 Writing & the Documentation of Arts Practice 1

This module explores the documentation of performance practices, with a focus on writing. It introduces forms of documentation emerging from personal memory data, self observation + reflection, and the collection of data from external sources. Registers of writing and the role of writing in the creative process are examined.

Professional Development for the Performing Arts

MD 6051 Independent Study 1

This module provides a space to engage in the study of a topic/subject of their own choice. Students organise their tuition and the assessment mechanism in consultation with their course director. A broad range of existing modules from the various postgraduate offers at the Academy is also available for students to chose from.

Options:

Colloqium 1

MD6031 Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research

This module provides an introduction into current media technologies as they are used in the fields of performing arts, creative arts therapies, and arts research; to develop essential skills and fluency in these technologies in order to use them competently, creatively, and effectively in one’s own specific discipline.

Interdisciplinary Improvisation

MD6o61 Introduction to Somatics

This module will ensure that students are educated in somatic practices that promote a healthy and mindful approach to movement. The continued development of an integrated mind/body approach will enable students to perform with greater efficiency and will minimize their risk of injury.

Semester Two

MU5612 Traditional Irish Music Practicum 2

In this module students create, design and manage their own performance programme under the supervision of the Course Director. To this end students attend instrumental / voice classes with tutors in a variety of teaching contexts, adopted in accordance with the needs of the student and the optimum teaching environment for the tutor. These classes will be masterclass style. As part of this module there is also an emphasis on various ensemble performances, which are constructed in workshops led by the students and visiting tutors.

MU6022 Irish Traditional Music Project

This module has two parts. In the first part, students will study the history, theory and practice of Irish traditional music. Additionally, students will study and develop skills in vocational areas associated with the performance of traditional music in a contemporary context.

Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy

MD 6052 Independent Study 2

This module provides a space to engage in the study of a topic/subject of their own choice. Students organise their tuition and the assessment mechanism in consultation with their course director. A broad range of existing modules from the various postgraduate offers at the Academy is also available for students to chose from.

MD6o61 Introduction to Somatics 2

This module will ensure that students are educated in somatic practices that promote a healthy and mindful approach to movement. The continued development of an integrated mind/body approach will enable students to perform with greater efficiency and will minimize their risk of injury.

Options:

Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2

MD6082 Choreography for Camera

Exploring the dynamic field of screendance and dance-film making, this module prepares students to work creatively towards the creation of short dance films. The module contextualizes dance-film within the context of contemporary dance and arts practices while investigating a range of aesthetic and technical approaches to creating a work.

Semester Three

MD5522 Final Presentation

The Final Performance for the MA Irish Traditional Music Performance is 40 minutes in duration and reflects the student’s main instrument of study. However, other instruments and performance practices are welcomed, as long at the balance is in favour of the programme of study. Examiners will assess the overall performance, considering issues of musicality, technique, creativity, originality, variety, preparedness, mood, among others.

Applications

Entrance Requirements:

A primary degree with first or second class honours

or

an approved equivalent qualification

or

an equivalent capability based on prior professional experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/how-apply

http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/courses/research/irish-world-academy

or

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:

http://www.ul.ie/acacal/academic_cal.html

POSTGRADUATE FEES:

http://www3.ul.ie/finance/docs/FeeScheduleAY1415.pdf

SCHOLARSHIPS:

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

Testimonials

Media

Applications

Applicants wishing to discuss detailed elements of the programme may contact the course director:

Dr. Sandra Joyce
Room No: IW1.09
Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
University of Limerick
Ireland

Tel: +353-61-202065
E-mail : Sandra.Joyce@ul.ie

For further details, information and brochures about the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance:

Irish World Academy of Music and Dance,
University of Limerick,
Limerick,
Ireland.
Phone: + 353 61 202590
e-mail: IrishWorldAcademy@ul.ie

For queries to the University of Limerick Postgraduate Admissions Office:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Graduate School
Foundation Building
University of Limerick

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

For queries to the University of Limerick Postgraduate Admissions Office:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Graduate School
Foundation Building
University of Limerick

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