Classical String Performance - MA

During this programme, you will:

• Present solo or chamber music repertoire on campus, and ongoing concert series in Limerick and the surrounding area.

• Study with ICO Principal players who rehearse, tutor, and perform with you throughout the programme.

• Receive weekly individual lessons, regular technique classes, chamber music classes and specialist workshops (audition techniques, orchestral excerpts, baroque and contemporary practice, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, creative embodied performance).

• Gain automatic acceptance onto the Irish Chamber Orchestra Academy Project – an exciting, annual collaboration project involving elite students from around the world and members of the ICO

Key Information:

• Complete full-time over two years

• Delivered on campus

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters

• Present a practical Final Presentation at the end of the final semester

You will learn through a blend of:

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities

• Individual lessons, chamber music coaching and workshops and encounters with visiting artists

• Reflective practice and guided research

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers

Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Technique, Repertoire and Style 1 (MU5401) develops technical mastery and artistic performance on a classical instrument, preparing students for professional-level public performance.

• Ensemble 1 (MU4073) supports engagement between dancers and musicians working together to devise and realise new artistic work.

• Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice (MD6071) will explore a variety of approaches to the documentation of artistic practices, with a focus on documentation through writing.

• Independent Study (MD6051) or another choice from an Elective bundle.

Spring Semester

• Technique, Repertoire and Style 2 (MU5402) advances technical skills, expands repertoire, and deepens stylistic interpretation through progressive one-to-one tuition.

• Ensemble 2 (MU4074) builds on students' experiences and learning in cross-arts practices in the Cross-Arts Ensemble 1 module.

• Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice 2 (MD6072) explore the creative process in artistic and academic work with a view towards investigating resonance, dissonance, and synchronicity

• Independent Study (MD6052) , or another choice from an elective bundle.

Year 2

Autumn Semester

• Technique, Repertoire and Style 3 (MU5003) delivers personalized, high‐level performance tuition on the student’s instrument, building on Technique, Repertoire & Style 1 and 2 to refine artistry, technique, and public performance.

• Ensemble 3 (MU5053) advances ensemble performance skills through chamber orchestra training, public concerts, and collaboration with professional musicians.

• Elective (MD5501) - students can select two different fields of interest (3 credits each).

Spring Semester

• Final Presentation (MD5522) equips students to perform specialist repertoire at the standard of a public recital or conduct a research project to the level of a master's standard dissertation or a combination of both.

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject.

• The university will shortlist and invite you to an interview.

• Additional materials may be requested at the discretion of the course director.

Other Entry Considerations:

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

International students:

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students .

Checklist of documents to provide:

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
• UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Cover letter detailing about yourself and your interest in the MA in Classical String Performance
• Performance audition, either in person or through audio or video recording.

English Language:

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
• Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
• Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.

EU - 7ドル,600 per annum*

Non- EU - €12,900 per annum*

* Year 2 fees are subject to change

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie ).

Funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships ..

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:

• Professional musician
• Chamber musician
• Member of a professional orchestra or ensemble
• Instrumental Teacher

Elena Alekseeva, Student 2012- 2014, PhD Candidate, Royal Holloway, University of London; Lecturer in Digital Music Production, School of Arts & Media, Southampton SOLENT University.

"When I did the MA Classical String Performance, I was involved in many collaborative projects including live performances with dancers, filming and recording sessions and it was an amazing experience. The facilities and atmosphere at the Academy make it easy to embody your ideas in a creative practice. Currently, I am doing a PhD at the Royal Holloway, University of London and studying at the inspiring Irish World Academy was a brilliant platform for my doctoral research."

Renee Neeson. "I’ve really enjoyed my time on the course and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next. Working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra so closely has been inspiring and an amazing opportunity I will never forget."

Andrew Sheeran. "We each receive a lot of individual attention. We are then able to concentrate on whatever areas we feel are most in need of improvement."

Still Curious?

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.

Online Information Sessions