Course Details

Course Code(s):
MAITMPTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Conor Caldwell
Address: Room No: IW2.023
Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
University of Limerick
 Email: conor.caldwell@ul.ie
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Brief Description

The MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance is designed to provide advanced tuition in the performance of Irish Traditional Music. Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided by a community of world-renowned traditional performers and tutors. Our current regular tutors include Siobhán Peoples (fiddle), Majella Bartley (flute), John Carty (fiddle), Tommy Fitzharris (flute and concertina), Conal O’Kane (accompaniment) and Blackie O’Connell (uilleann pipes).

Instrumental development is supplemented by access to five visiting tutors per semester. Recent visiting tutors included Zoë Conway and John McIntrye, Clare Egan, Angelina Carberry, Pádraig McGovern, Enda Scahill, Troy McGillivray and Mick O’Brien.

Academic skills relating to the understanding and 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.

The MA in 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 provided by a community of world-renowned traditional performers and tutors. Past tutors have included Frankie Gavin, Liam O'Flynn, Martin Hayes, Matt Cranitch, Michael McGoldrick amongst many others. Academic skills relating to the understanding and 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.

This programme will develop music skills and other associated skills appropriate to the modern performance of traditional Irish music.

  • To provide a learning environment for advanced performance in Traditional Irish 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 professional performance contexts.

Careers: Many students on the MA Irish Traditional Music Performance have gone on the build a career as a professional performer, and this is the primary focus of the course. The compulsory and elective modules are designed to enhance the student’s career prospects in performance, not only through developing the individual’s skills as a musician, but also in other key areas, such as recording and content production, grant applications and cultural policy.

The MA Irish Traditional Music Performance has helped refine the skills of many of Ireland’s most innovative traditional musicians, including Bríd Harper, Rebecca McCarthy-Kent and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. The course also serves as an opportunity for students from other musical backgrounds to develop their knowledge of traditional music performance in an intensive learning environment. Professional musicians from other genres, such as award-winning Canadian fiddler Ivonne Hernandez have recently graduated from the programme.

The broad range of skills acquired on the MAITMP has led students into multiple other fields of work outside of performance, primarily music education (at primary, post-primary, secondary and tertiary levels). Our graduates also work in areas such as music technology and arts management. Many also go on to pursue PhDs and enter the world of research.

 

Semester 1 Semester 2

MU5611 Irish Traditional Music Practicum 1
MD6021 Introduction to Fieldwork Methods
MD6071 Writing and the Documentation of Practice 1
MD6081 Critical Engagement with Irish Traditional Music
MD6091 Professional Development for the Performing Arts


Options: students can choose one option from the list below

 

  •  MD6051 Independent Study 1
  •  MD6102 Colloquium 1
  •  MD6061 Introduction to Somatics 1
  •  MD6031 Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research
  •  MD6101 Interdisciplinary Improvisation
  •  MD6041 Introduction to Ritual Studies

MU5612 Irish Traditional Music Practicum 2
MU6022 Irish Traditional Music Project
MD6062 Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy


Options: students can choose two options from the list below

 

  • MD6052 Independent Study 2
  • MD6092 Introduction to Somatics 2
  • MD6072 Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2
  • MD6082 Choreography for Camera
  • MD6102 Colloquium 2
  • MD6162 Interdisciplinary Practice
  • AW6012 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2
Semester 3 : MD5522 Final Presentation

 Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

An audition and interview are required in all cases. Candidates may be required to submit additional audio visual and/or written material. For the audition, candidates should prepare three contrasting sets (at least two tunes) of traditional music, and one of these sets should be a set of reels. For singers, three contrasting songs that demonstrate the scope of your style and repertoire will be required.

Candidates who do not have an undergraduate degree may gain entry by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This will be assessed in the interview and audition. Please see the University guidance on RPL applications here.

 

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €7,270 

Non- EU - €16,900

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Graduate Testimonials

Kara O’Brien, Graduate “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.”

Rebecca McCarthy-Kent, 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.”