MMus in Performance
The Master of Music in Performance programme is designed to prepare graduates for a professional performance career. Based at 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 of 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
- 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.
Programme Title and Award
Master of Music in Performance with Classifications of: First Class Honours; Second Class Honours, First Division; Second Class Honours, Second Division; Pass
An exit award of Postgraduate Diploma in Music in Performance may be conferred upon a candidate completing 60 ECTS.
Programme Delivery Pathways
TU388: Full Time, 1 Year, September to September (90 ECTS)
TU389: Part Time, 2 Years, September to June each year (90 ECTS)
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
- provide a programme of study tailored to the needs of the individual student with supporting specialist modules of professional relevance
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the MMus in Performance will normally have:
- an honours degree (minimum 2.2) in music performance, or
- an honours degree in music (minimum 2.2) with a strong specialism in performance, or
- an equivalent qualification and have demonstrated the necessary performing potential or be of equivalent professional standing
International Applicants:
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 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)
- A recent example of academic writing in music of between 1000 and 2000 words, for example, an essay or an excerpt from an undergraduate thesis
- Academic Transcripts
- 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.
Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatoire to undertake an audition and interview. A very high standard of performance is expected.
The audition will involve a performance (see below for specific requirements) and an interview. The Audition Panel reserves the right to halt a performance when it has heard enough to form a judgement. 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.
Where relevant, candidates are requested to provide their own form of accompaniment (or supporting musicians) and to provide copies of the music (or outline scores) for the audition panel.
International applicants who are unable to attend an entrance audition in person can send a video recording of their audition with good quality audio (see below for specific requirements). Applicants whose video performances are of a suitable standard will then be contacted for an interview, usually via Microsoft Teams.
Specific Audition Requirements
Brass
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree.
Chamber Music
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles from the classical chamber music repertoire of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree.
Classical Guitar
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree.
Classical Accordion
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles. At least one work should be played from memory. There will also be a sight-reading test.
Irish Traditional Music
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces from the Irish traditional repertoire of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree, to include a slow air. Copies of the music or outline scores are not required for the audition panel for Irish traditional music auditions.
Jazz
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting jazz pieces of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree, to include a ballad.
Percussion
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree.
Piano
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles, to include one concert study. At least one work should be played from memory. There will also be a sight-reading test.
Piano Accompaniment
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles, to include one concert study. At least one work should be played from memory. There will also be a sight-reading test.
Organ and Harpsichord
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles, to include one major work from the Baroque period. There will also be a sight-reading test.
Repetiteur
Candidates should prepare the following programme:
- Sing and play a secco recitative from a Mozart opera with a minimum of two characters and not shorter than 25 bars.
- Sing and play two scenes from two different operas and in two different languages. Each scene should be approx. ten minutes in length. A duet may be chosen for one scene only and otherwise, scenes should have a minimum of three characters.
- Read a short text in a foreign language and translate the same into English. The text will be provided in advance.
- Sight-read from an opera score, with a conductor.
Strings
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree.
Woodwind
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme of contrasting pieces/movements representing at least two musical styles of at least the standard for an undergraduate performance degree.
Vocal Studies
Candidates should prepare a 20-minute programme, balanced in style and language, covering all genres, and should sing in at least two languages.
Assessment Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on merit and potential and must convince the audition/interview panel that they have the ability, maturity and potential to cope with the demands of the programme.
MMus in Performance applicants will be judged based on the following criteria, assessed by means of the audition, interview and application:
- talent and potential
- demonstration of a serious commitment to a career in music
- previous performance experience
- quality of previous training and musicianship
- broad knowledge of music, including historical contexts and contemporary practice
- demonstration of academic writing skills
- interpersonal skills for team building and leadership
Programme Structure
|
Performance |
Research |
Professional Portfolio |
|||
|
30 ECTS |
10 ECTS (Options) |
15 ECTS |
5 ECTS |
20 ECTS |
10 ECTS |
|
RECITAL |
FROM PAGE TO STAGE |
LECTURE-RECITAL |
ISSUES IN MUSICAL SCHOLARSHIP |
RESEARCH PROJECT |
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO |
|
|
CONCERTO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHAMBER MUSIC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ENSEMBLE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CREATIVE PROJECT |
|
|
|
|
- Individual instrument or vocal specialist tuition
- Accompaniment, répétiteur and chamber music coaching
- Performance classes
- Ensembles
- Masterclasses and guest lectures
- Performance opportunities
- Lectures, seminars and tutorials
MMus students have a Principal Study in one of the following performance departments:
In addition, all MMus students take modules in the Department of Academic Studies.
The MMus in programme is designed to prepare graduates for a future career in the music industry. Graduates of the MMus programme have pursued careers as opera singers, concert artists, orchestral and chamber musicians, orchestral and choral conductors, music educators, lecturers, animateurs, and in many other roles in the creative industries. This multi-faceted graduate profile informs much of the programme design.
Dr Julie Maisel
MMus Programme Chair
E: julie.maisel@tudublin.ie