Performance Opportunities and Masterclasses
Preparation for public recitals and concerts is a vital component of performance education. At the Conservatoire we have many opportunities, at different levels, to encourage our students to engage in public performance, both within Conservatoire and in external venues. Each year, our piano students perform at the National Concert Hall and other public venues around Dublin.
'Seasonal' Piano Recital Series
Available to all students, these recitals are held in the East Quad performance spaces and take place on various evenings and Saturday afternoons in Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, often in advance of examinations and competitions. These recitals are open to the public and students apply for a place through their teacher. Participants usually perform two pieces and the recitals are divided into two one-hour sessions, the earlier one usually reserved for younger students and the later half, for more advanced students. The purpose of the recitals is to provide students with a 'live' experience of performing in front of an audience. Audience members are expected to attend for the whole one-hour session and recording is strictly prohibited.
Performance Workshops
These workshops are aimed at junior students (Grades Initial to 4) and offer an opportunity to 'prepare' for public performance. They are organised in an informal setting with a focus on performance etiquette as well as strategies for coping with those times when the performance does not quite go to plan! All students are offered a chance to play but may observe from the sidelines, if they prefer. The workshops are the perfect starting point for the inexperienced students wishing to take part in the Seasonal Recital Series.
Additional Initial/Primary Workshops are aimed at students undertaking these examinations and are held twice a year, prior to the exams. The format includes advice on what to expect in the exam as well as allowing students to play through their programme of pieces if they wish. Parents are welcome to attend and observe. Please note that no audio or visual recording is permitted.
Masterclasses
One of the many advantages of Conservatoire education is the access to masterclasses. The Department hosts regular masterclasses in piano and organ, most of which are open to the public. The department is honoured to have two internationally-acclaimed pianists/pedagogues as visiting artists. Barry Douglas is Visiting Professor in Piano and John O'Conor has been appointed as Distinguished Visiting Artist.
Over the last number of years, Conservatoire students have enjoyed masterclasses with a variety of pianists and teachers including:
- Pascal Rogé
- Ronan O’Hora (Head of Keyboard Studies, Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
- Vanessa Latarche (Head of Keyboard, Royal College of Music)
- Douglas Humpherys (Head of Piano, Eastman School of Music)
- Prisca Benoit (Paris Conservatoire)
- Andrew Ball (Royal College of Music)
- Hilary Coates (Trinity Laban and Wells Cathedral School)
- William Fong (Purcell School)
Organ masterclasses have been given by seasoned practicioners, including Thomas Trotter, Gerard Gillen, Ben van Oosten and Henry Fairs.
MASTERCLASSES 2022-23
Geraud Guillemot (ORGAN) October 11, St Philip's Church Milltown CANCELLED!
Dr John O'Conor (Distinguished Visiting Artist) October 14, 2022 Recital Hall 9.30-12.45
Dr Barry Douglas (Visiting Professor) December 5, Recital Hall times tbc
Further masterclass information will appear here