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 | Broadening Through Awareness, Activism and the Arts



Summer Modules

• Final Presentation

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.

1 year full-time, on-campus.

Autumn