Music - Performance & Musicology

The MA in Performance & Musicology degree programme is designed for students with strengths in performance who want opportunities to deepen and extend their skills. The pathway is carefully honed to foster and develop skills in performance and musicology at postgraduate level. The preparation of a dissertation allows you to develop research skills in an area closely related to your final recital performance. All of this takes place within the rich environment of the Department of Music with its research and teaching strengths in musicology, performance, composition and technology. You can find more information about the areas of expertise among our academic staff here: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/music/our-people

Dr Francesca Placanica is the Director of the MA in Performance in Musicology Programme

What You Can Expect:
Funding towards lessons on your instrument/voice.

Priority access to practice room facilities.

Regular rehearsal time with an official accompanist.

Regular opportunities to perform in Performance Seminar classes.

Priority allocation of tutorial time with visiting performers as available.

Priority inclusion in the Department's public lunchtime concert series.

Opportunities to have performances recorded.

Individual tutorial time with a designated advisor.

Involvement in Research Seminar presentations in which MA students have the opportunity to present their research and receive feedback.

Expert advice on interpretative issues from musicologists, performers and composers at the cutting edge of their fields.

The programme offers a strong foundational course in research methodology and individual tutorial time with a designated advisor leading to submission of a thesis related to performance repertoire. It features expert advice on interpretative issues from musicologists, performers and composers at the cutting edge of their fields. The programme includes funding towards first study lessons, priority allocation of tutorial time with visiting performers as available, priority practice room access and inclusion in the Department's public lunchtime concert series, as well as opportunities to have performances recorded.

Normally a minimum II.1 honours degree in music is required. Applicants without this qualification may be requested to attend an interview

Internal Maynooth University applicants

Applicants specialising in performance for their UG programme must obtain a minimum of a high II.1 result for Single/Double Recital

Applicants not specialising in performance for their UG programme will be required to demonstrate in audition and interview a standard on proposed principal instrument/voice equivalent to a minimum of a high II.1 bachelor degree. The audition should consist of c. 20 minutes of contrasting music. Vocalists are expected to demonstrate the ability to sing in three languages. Copies of music to be provided for examining panel along with listed programme.

International applicants

International applicants must have a recognised primary degree considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate in audition and interview a standard on proposed principal instrument/voice equivalent to a minimum of a high II.1 Irish university bachelor degree. The audition should consist of c. 20 minutes of contrasting music. Vocalists are expected to demonstrate the ability to sing in three languages. Copies of music to be provided for examining panel along with listed programme.

International applicants should contact music.department@mu.ie for full details of the audition process.

International applicants whose first language is not English may be requested to submit samples of written material.

Minimum English language requirements: please visit International Office's website at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international/postgraduate for information about English language tests accepted and required scores - Click 'Postgraduate full degree' and 'Entry requirements'. . The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications will typically be processed within three weeks.

All applications should be made through the PAC system.

Closing Date : 30 June 2021

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

MA Performance and Musicology students develop a portfolio of performance, communication, critical, and analytical skills, while the programme also trains students to work independently and manage their time effectively. These skills serve graduates well in a wide range of working situations, ranging from the freelance solo performing career, to arts administration and events management. The MA in Performance and Musicology is also an excellent option for those considering further postgraduate study or instrumental and vocal training.