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Royal Irish Academy of Music

Music Performance

The Master's Degree in Music Performance provides post-graduate development and aims to reward the exceptional musician with a qualification of excellence and prestige.

We offer a range of specialist options to Masters students including composition, major thesis, sound recording techniques and music technology. This range of choice offers our students the opportunity to devote time to the subjects they consider most beneficial to their career development.

Dissertation
Proof of an acceptable level of prior academic writing via submitted paper(s) for approval by the Head of Musicianship

Shortlist of Dissertation topic options (at least 3 topics options) and a short description detailing the reasoning and direction of research angle for each one

English as a first language or minimum 90 points internet TOEFL score with written score of 21

Music Technology
ECDL certification or an "equivalent knowledge" exemption, established by a meeting with the course lecturer

An appropriate background at undergraduate level or otherwise demonstrated level of ability appropriate to the course demands
Composition

Prior track record in composing original works demonstrated by submission of composition portfolio of no fewer than three works

An appropriate background at undergraduate level in method and research skills of music theory or music analysis

Entry requirements

Entrance qualification for this two-year course is a BA in Music Performance degree or equivalent advanced qualification from a recognised conservatoire, as well as successful performance at audition. Emphasis is placed on advancing performance skills, both solo and ensemble with supporting studies provided in musicianship.

Qualifications or equivalent
Applicants will normally hold a BA in Music Performance (2.1 or higher) or a degree of similar standing whereby music performance is a major component from a recognised academy, conservatoire or university or an advanced qualification in recital or music performance from a recognised academy, conservatoire or university. However, applicants who can demonstrate a high level of ability in music performance may be accepted even if their undergraduate degree is from another discipline, or in recognition of demonstrable professional experience with permission of TCD Senior Lecturer.

Competence in the English language
All classes/lectures/seminars are conducted through English. Students whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must present one of the following qualifications in the English language:

Examination Minimum Level Required
IELTS Grade 6.5
TOEFL 230 computer-based
570 paper-based
88 internet-based
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English Grade C
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English Grade C
Pearson Test of English PTE Academic: a minimum of 63 (with no section score below 59)

Duration

2 years

Comment

The Graduate Diploma (GRIAM) is awarded on satisfactory completion of year one with the Masters degree awarded at the end of year two. The degree is validated by Trinity College Dublin.

Application date

Admissions to the Master in Music Performance Degree at The Royal Irish Academy of Music will be administered through direct application to the RIAM. The closing date for applications is December 1st.

Applications
All prospective applicants must submit online by 1st December the following documents:

•Completed online application form

•Pay online the relevant non-refundable application fee

•An unedited CD or DVD recording of not less than 15 minutes

•A repertoire list of previously performed works

•A detailed Curriculum Vitae including details of performances, examinations and course taken to date

•Transcripts of BA in Music Degree, or equivalent

•Proof of competence in English where necessary for those applicants whose education is not through the medium of English

•Written recommendations from two musicians, one of whom may be the applicant's teacher, confirming the suitability of the applicant for the course

•A personal statement may be included. Applicants may choose to indicate why they wish to undertake a Master of Music in Performance degree, what they hope to achieve and why they specifically wish to study at the Royal Irish Academy of Music

•Nominate their chosen Academic Major Elective and submit the relevant portfolio/documentation for their chosen Elective from: