Music (Performance)Ceol (Léiriú)

The Master of Music in Performance is designed to prepare graduates for a professional performance career. Based at the TU Dublin Conservatoire, which has a long tradition in the provision of performing and creative arts education, the programme aims to facilitate the artistic, intellectual and creative development of each student by providing an integrated and structured programme with practical experience in a wide range or performance contexts, underpinned by complementary research and professional studies.

The MMus in Performance programme is suitable for:  applicants who have a high level of performance skill and aspire towards a professional career in performance in classical, Irish traditional music, and jazz genres and applicants who have professional performing experience and wish to pursue further study in their specialist area. Applications are welcome from solo instrumentalists, singers, répétiteurs, piano accompanists and chamber ensembles.

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 performance with the development of advanced skills in analysis, research, critical reflection and communication; and provide a programme of study tailored to the needs of the individual student with supporting specialist modules of professional relevance.

Applicants for the MMus in Performance will normally have:

• An honours degree (minimum 2.2) in music performance
• An honours degree in Music (minimum 2.2) with a strong specialism in performance, or
• Equivalent qualification and have demonstrated the necessary performing potential or be of equivalent professional standing.

Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency as detailed on our website. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual component score lower than 6, will normally be required for entry to the MMus programme.

Applicants should submit the following along with the application:

• CV with details of your performing experience (repertoire and performances), musical training and other relevant experience/education.
• Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in music performance (approximately 500 words) 
• Academic Transcripts
• A recent example of academic writing in music of between 1000 and 2000 words, i.e. an essay or an excerpt from an undergraduate thesis.
• Two references relating to your music experience, preferably one from your most recent teacher and one from an industry professional.

Please note that only eligible candidates will be called to audition and interview.

Audition                 

For audition requirements, please see the Conservatoire website.

Interview

Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatoire to undertake an interview. The The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programme. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, performance experience and repertoire, research interests and career plans.  International applicants who are unable to attend an entrance audition in person can send a video recording of their audition with good quality audio.  Applicants whose video performances are of a suitable standard will then be contacted for an interview, usually via Microsoft Teams.

The MMus (Performance) course is designed to prepare you for a future career in the music industry. Graduates of the course have pursued careers as opera singers, concert artists, orchestral and chamber musicians, music educators and animateurs, and in many other roles in the creative industries. This multi-faceted graduate profile informs much of the course design. There are also opportunities for further study at the Conservatoire through our DMus in Performance or PhD programmes.

The structure of the course has been redesigned around 4 main elements: Performance Studies, Research Studies, Discipline Specific Skills and Employability Skills. However, the integration of the knowledge, understanding and competencies of these elements is central to the ethos of the programme.

• Creative Project [Elective]
• Issues in Musical Scholarship [Mandatory]
• Recital [Mandatory]
• Professional Portfolio [Mandatory]
• Research Studies 2 [Mandatory]
• Chamber Music [Elective]
• Concerto [Elective]
• Ensemble [Elective]
• From Page to Stage (Vocal/Répétiteur students) [Mandatory]
• Lecture-Recital [Mandatory]

Classes will normally take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Lessons/tutorials/accompanists/répétiteur lessons are arranged between the lecturer and student.

Applications will open in February 2025.