Music - Ritual Chant & Song

The MA in Ritual Chant and Song is a one-year programme exploring ritual vocal repertoires, which are contextualised through the study of ritual theory and liturgical history. Western plainchant is the main chant repertoire studied, and Irish traditional religious song is also key to the programme. Vocal development is facilitated through one-to-one, weekly vocal classes, as well as master-classes with internationally renowned performers. The programme is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.

Key Facts
Students take field trips to sites such as Lough Gur and Glenstal abbey to enrich their experience and academic knowledge of Ritual Chant and Song.

Autumn Semester
• Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 1
• Materials, Methods and Context for Western Chant 1
• Introduction to Fieldwork techniques
• Introduction to Ritual Studies
• Introduction to Somatics 1

Options: students can choose two options from the list below

• Independent Study 1
• Colloquium 1
• Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 1
• Professional Development for the Performing Arts
• Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research
• Critical Contexts of Arts Management and Cultural Policy

Spring Semester
• Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 2
• Materials, Methods and Context for Western Chant 2
• Advanced Ritual Studies
• Introduction to Somatics 2

Options: students can choose two options from the list below

• Independent Study 2
• Colloquium 2
• Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2

Summer Semester
• Final Presentation

A primary degree in a suitable discipline with first or second class honours or an approved professional qualification (Primary Degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).
An interview will be required in all cases, as well as an audition where necessary. Candidates may be required to submit additional audio visual and/or written material.

What to include with your application

Qualification transcripts and certificates

A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

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
For more information Click Here

Note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, any interviews or auditions (as required by the Course Director) during the application process will now take place virtually.

1 year full time.

Start Date: 09/Sep/2019

Careers:
The prime focus of the course is the development of performers so many past students have gone on to develop careers as traditional musicians. However, students have gone on to use skills acquired through this MA in a number of other fields including education (at primary, post-primary, secondary and tertiary levels), technology, arts management, etc.