Music Performance PLC

Course details

Music, nowadays, is a rapidly persifying area. At a performance level, today's musicians operate within a wide variety of musical styles and approaches. In addition to the ever-important areas of performance and musical ability, new skills have been added, in particular an understanding of how technology can assist the musician in the studio and on the stage, in creative and rehearsal situations.

Performance Photo 1Music Performance is one of the most innovative courses on offer at Kylemore College. Distinct from some of the more engineering-oriented courses on offer elsewhere, Music Performance is a course designed for imaginative musicians. There is a lot of flexibility in the course, allowing you to realise your creative potential in various fields, whether it be song-writing, contemporary classical composition, jazz, dance music, traditional, electroacoustic, experimentalism, or pop/rock music. At every phase in the course, you will be encouraged to make artistic use of the latest technologies in sound recording, mixing, sound design, live performance, computers, and by the end of the course you will be fully versed in the use of industry-standard hardware and software.

As a student at Kylemore, you will not only be able to realise your creative ambitions with expert teachers, but you will also meet other students from all areas of musical life, and work with other enthusiasts on collaborative projects. There is much emphasis on practical experience and structured tuition, with timetabled classes, studio sessions and regular assignments/examinations, but there is also plenty of opportunity to work independently in the recording studio. Basic music theory, aural and keyboard skills are taught, knowing that many applicants will not have formal musical training, and that classical musical training does not provide all the skills needed for work in popular music. Additionally, you will be encouraged to produce work that is both innovative and inpidualistic.

Aim of the Course

The aim of this course is to develop the musician's ability in the areas of performance and musical awareness and to further enhance their skills through music technology and computer applications. This course will thoroughly prepare you for the thriving professional and creative world of music today.

Areas of Study

The areas of study fall into all the different modules that make up the course. They are listed below

• AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
• MUSIC PERFORMANCE
• MUSICIANSHIP
• MUSIC THEORY
• MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES
• WORK EXPERIENCE
• COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• COMMUNICATIONS

Entry Requirements/How to Apply

Apply now if you are a final year secondary student , an aspiring singer or performing artist, a musician, or just interested in the evolving world of music performance and technology. Applicants should have achieved the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, or equivalent. Mature Applicants with suitable industry experience are also welcome to apply. It is also expected that applicants show a keen interest in performance, have an aptitude for creativity and basic computing skills. You will require determination, hard work and reliability to succeed in this course. These are some of the qualities we expect of every student we accept on to our courses. Admission to the course is limited and subject to interview. Suitability interviews are usually held every May each year. An application form and guide to the process can be found on the PLC Application Process page.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by studio project work, practical projects, assignments and examinations. Your final certificate classification (Distinction, Merit, Pass) will be based on your work throughout the year of the course. Successful candidates will receive a level 5 FETAC Award in Music 5M2011.

Learning and Teaching

Students are taught through a combination of traditional teaching learning methods, tutorials and practical work in the studio. The teachers typically use an audio-visual projector, practical demonstrations, printed handouts, a white board and interactive tutorial CD-ROMs.