Master of Music in Composition
The Master of Music in Composition is designed to provide a tailored learning experience, specific to each student, while enabling a mastery of music creation. It draws upon the strengths of TU Dublin Conservatoire as a centre of excellence in classical music performance. Students will be supported and enabled in the development of their own creative voice, through individual composition tutorials. Complementary modules provide a firm technical foundation and acquisition of skills, arranged around the student’s creative interests. The Conservatoire offers a wide range of expertise, whether in music notation, use of electronic platforms, improvisation, or collaboration with instrumental and vocal performers.
The composition culture at TU Dublin is to encourage originality in any form, with a concentration on the avant-garde, experimental and improvised through a multiplicity of approaches.
The MMus in Composition is inclusive of genre. While a primary music degree is preferable, it is not a prerequisite. The main focus is an aspiration to experience creative practice in composition through exploration and improvisation methodologies, in consultation with experienced staff.
Programme Title and Award
Master of Music in Composition with Classifications of: First Class Honours; Second Class Honours, Upper Division; Second Class Honours, Lower Division; Pass
An exit award of Postgraduate Diploma in Music in Composition may be conferred upon a candidate completing 60 ECTS.
Programme Aims
The programme is designed to:
- refine and develop individual artistry in a wide range of professionally relevant contexts
- develop creative skills and professional attributes to enable engagement and collaboration in the music profession at the highest levels
- integrate professional level studies in composition with the development of advanced skills in analysis, research, critical reflection and communication
- provide a programme of study tailored to the needs of the individual student with supporting specialist modules of professional relevance
Programme Delivery
TU388: Full-Time, 1 Year, September to September (90 ECTS)
TU389: Part-Time, 2 Years, September to June each year (90 ECTS)
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the MMus in Composition will normally have:
- an honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent qualification, and experience as a creative musician
Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0, with no individual component score lower than 6, will normally be required for entry to the MMus programme.
Admission Procedures
Applicants to the programme must apply online at https://www.tudublin.ie/study/postgraduate/
Applicants should submit the following along with the application:
- CV with details of your composition and music experience, training and relevant experience/education
- Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in composition
- A portfolio of creative works (e.g. 2-3 scores of different combinations, either notated or graphic notated; audio or midi mock-up; video demonstration of an installation; improvisation; or electronics)
- A recent example of academic writing in music, e.g. a short synopsis of your work in general or a detailed programme note
- Academic Transcripts
- Two references relating to your creative music experience
Interview
Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatoire to undertake an interview. The composition portfolio submitted with the application is viewed and only candidates who pass this pre-selection stage will be invited to an interview.
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programme. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, creative work, creative practice interests and career plans.
International applicants who are unable to attend an interview in person will be facilitated with an online interview usually via Microsoft Teams.
Fees
See current POSTGRADUATE FEES for further details.
Programme Content
For Further Information
Dr Julie Maisel
MMus Programme Chair
E: julie.maisel@tudublin.ie