Music - Irish Traditional Music Performance

Key programme benefits to future students

Students will learn to honour the artistic integrity, history, and identity of the performance practice within an academic and performance orientated context.



Students will learn to facilitate the cross-fertilisation of both the academic and performance pursuits of postgraduate performing music, dance and academic programmes.



This course will assist each individual performer in ‘finding his or her voice’ through traditional music performance.



Key Fact: The MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance has previously welcomed guest tutors and notable musicians such as Martin Hayes, Louise Mulcahy, Donal Lunny, Bríd Harper, Grainne Hambly and Mick O’Brien.

Autumn Modules

• Irish Traditional Music Practicum 1

• Introduction to Fieldwork Methods

• Writing and the Documentation of Practice 1

• Critical Engagement with Irish Traditional Music

• Professional Development for the Performing Arts



Optional Modules (choose two)

Independent Study 1 | Colloquium 1 | Introduction to Somatics 1 | Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research | Interdisciplinary Improvisation Introduction to Ritual Studies



Spring Modules

• Irish Traditional Music Practicum 2

• Irish Traditional Music Project

• Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy



Optional Modules (choose two)

Independent Study 2 | Colloquium 2 | Writing and the Documentation of Arts Practice 2 | Introduction to Somatics 2 | Choreography for Camera | Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2



Summer Modules

• Final Presentation

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8,) with at least a 2.2 (second class honours, grade 2) in a relevant or appropriate subject.



The university will audition and interview all applicants.



Applicants may be required to submit additional audio visual and/or written material.



Applicants should prepare three contrasting sets (at least two tunes) of traditional music, and one should be a set of reels.



Singers will need to prepare three contrasting songs that demonstrate the scope of their style and repertoire.



Other Entry Considerations:



We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.



At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

1 year full-time, on-campus.

Autumn