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.

Tutors

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, Conor Crimmins, Emily Flack and Alan Reid among others.

Programme of Study

Semester 1

MU5611 Traditional Irish Music Practicum 1</span></b>

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 MD6021</span></b>
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.

MD6091 Professional Development for the Performing Arts
This module engages with aspects of planning and management for professional artist, Students learn about the development of business plans, effective communication and pitching strategies, stakeholder development and core skills for the creative industries, such as financial management and planning.

MD6161 Irish Traditional Music Performance Research Seminar
In this module students will examine writings on and sources of Irish traditional music to enhance their understanding of this tradition. They will critically engage with texts relevant to Irish traditional music studies and related fields. The specific content of this module will engage approaches to the understanding of performance of traditional music as an aesthetic and valued act. It will focus on ways we perceive style and notions of ‘good’ and ‘bad in performance. It essentially will help the students critically engage their own performance practice and situate it in topologies and other aesthetic structures for traditional music.

Elective Modules (choice of two):

MD6051 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.

MD6111 Colloqium 1
This module exposes students to scholarship and performance practices from a wide variety of music and dance and related disciplines, enabling students to broaden their perspectives on their own specialisation as well as experience presentations from scholars and performers in cognate disciplines. Students are expected to attend a minimum of five seminars from the various series offered in the Academy.

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.

MD6061 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.

MD6041Introduction to Ritual Studies
This module provides an introduction to ritual studies as an inter-disciplinary discourse drawing on anthropology, sociology, religious studies, ethnomusicology, ethnochoreology, festive arts and performance studies. It introduces a number of ritual case studies including historical and cross-cultural examples, with an emphasis on Irish ritual practices.

AW6001Academic Literacies for International PostGraduate Students 1
There are many challenges facing International students (culture shock, language shock and academic shock), and this module offers strategies for managing this experience and for providing a rich and engaging learning environment for such students. This module will raise students’ awareness of the academic support systems, cultures, and protocols within UL; provide students with information sourcing and management skills; and provide students with strategies for successful integration and learning in UL.

Semester 2

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.

MD6062 Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy
As part of this module, students are introduced to key ideas, issues and current debates in arts management and cultural policy. There is an emphasis on the interpretation and engagement with cultural policy from the perspective of a practitioner, and its relation to funding applications. The development of effective funding application skills and grant writing are also covered in this module.

Elective Modules (choice of two):

MD6052 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.

MD6092 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.

MD6072 Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2
The aim of this module is to continue the work of ‘Writing and the Documentation of Practice ‘ in exploring the creative process in artistic and academic work with a view towards investigating resonance, dissonance and synchronicity between method in one’s own performance practice and in the the investigation of one’s own specialist research project.

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.

MD6102 Colloquium 2
This module exposes students to scholarship and performance practices from a wide variety of music and dance and related disciplines, enabling students to broaden their perspectives on their own specialisation as well as experience presentations from scholars and performers in cognate disciplines. Students are expected to attend a minimum of five seminars from the various series offered in the Academy.

MD6162 Interdisciplinary Practice
Students will be introduced to interdisciplinary aesthetic and technical approaches to improvisation and composition. They will be provided with a platform to engage in research/enquiry that is interdisciplinary in nature with a view to integrating and applying this knowledge in their own practice. Students will attend a number of workshops/lectures in which faculty will explore and present aspects of the processes involved in interdisciplinary practice.

AW6012 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2
International students often face linguistic challenges and this module offers strategies for managing this experience and for providing a rich and engaging learning environment for such students. This module will focus in particular on academic writing for International students.

Semester 3

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.

Optional Second Year

Students have the option of taking a second year of the programme where they remain as a full time student at the Academy and only complete their final performance (MD5522) in the summer of their second year.

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:

https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/irish-traditional-music-performance-ma
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:

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.

Media

Testimonials

“The year I spent in the Traditional Music Performance M.A. was undoubtably one of the most formative in my life. As an international student, the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the tradition, both through performance and critical engagement, allowed me to make connections and gain the skills I needed to become confident as a practitioner of the tradition. From building repertoire to networking with top performers, tradition bearers, and researchers, to performing with my amazing classmates and visiting archives, conferences, and sessions, the MA was a non-stop year of adventure that made me a better singers and a better human being. Whether you’re a long-time participant in the tradition who wants to deepen your practice and knowledge, or a newcomer looking to get your foot in the door, this is the place to be. The program offers unparalleled opportunities for practice, performance, networking, and research. The tutors are world class, and Limerick’s central location gives you access to sessions and festivals around Ireland. If you are looking for a way to move your traditional practice to the next level, this is the course for you.”

Kara O’Brien, Graduate.

“My time doing the MA in Irish Music Performance in the Irish World Academy was one of the most worthwhile experiences in my musical life to date. This course helped me to grow and evolve as a musician both professionally and personally by giving me access to so many different learning experiences and performance opportunities. From the variety of lectures, ensemble groups, one to one classes and independent studies to the array of masterclasses with some of the best tutors in the country, this course covered such a wide range of material in the space of two semesters. Each semester finished with a performance opportunity which gave me a chance to work with other musicians and work on repertoire lists, as well as try out different venues and sound. The resources and equipment on offer to students is second-to-none, with full use of recording studios, microphones, pedals, computers and upright and grand pianos. The MA in Irish Music Performance was the perfect place to launch myself into the world as a professional musician. It was an incredible experience for me.”

Rebecca McCarthy-Kent, Graduate.

Applications

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

Dr. Conor Caldwell
Room No: IW2.023
Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
University of Limerick
Ireland

E-mail : conor.caldwell@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

Semester 1

Elective Modules (choice of two):

Semester 2

Elective Modules (choice of two):

Semester 3

Optional Second Year