Course Title: Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Music
Direct Application to TU Dublin in 2025
Leaving Certificate Requirements
Minimum Number of |
|
---|---|
Subjects |
Higher |
6 |
2 H5's |
Minimum Grade in |
|
Maths |
English OR Irish |
O6/H7 |
O6/H7 |
Other Grade Requirements | |
Applicants must attend an audition/interview |
QQI/FET Requirements
QQI/FET Award Required |
Additional Requirements |
---|---|
Any full Level 5 or 6 award |
Level 5: DISTINCTION(S) REQUIRED: AND TU DUBLIN AUDITION Level 6: TU DUBLIN AUDITION |
In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature
Additional Requirements
Garda Vetting: Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.0 overall (or equivalent).
TU963 will be a direct application programme for 2025.
Audition/Interview
All applicants applying for TU963 are required to attend an audition/interview. Precise information on dates and times of when to submit a portfolio or to attend a test/audition/interview will be notified directly to each applicant. Auditions take place on our Grangegorman campus.
Guide Dates:
- Apply before 25 November 2024 for audition in December
- Apply before 1 February 2025 for audition in March
- All subsequent applications: Auditions in May 2025
This applies for all Irish, EU and UK applicants including Mature Applicants and Advanced Entry Applicants. All International Applicants should contact the TU Dublin International Office and the course chair Helen.Lawlor@tudublin.ie. International applicants will be invited to submit a video audition and will be facilitated by an online interview if required.
- Apply for an audition by completing this online form: Apply Now
- Once we receive your application we will contact you to arrange an audition.
The audition will usually comprise the performance of two contrasting pieces and may include sight-reading and scales (see detailed requirements below), aural assessment and a short interview. The Audition Panel may ask candidates to stop before the end of a piece in cases where they have been able to form a judgement. Candidates should be approximately Grade 7/8 standard or higher on an instrument or voice (or equivalent for traditional musicians).
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the course. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, your experience of performing and your career aspirations.
There is no written exam as part of the audition. Successful applicants will sit a written assessment to allocate classes after registration. We will notify you of your audition results by email.
Audition Requirements
Department of Keyboard Studies
For keyboard (piano, church organ, classical accordion) auditions please note the following requirements: Repertoire: Candidates must perform (i) two contrasting pieces by classical composers and (ii) a short quick-study piece which will be available to candidates 2 weeks prior to the audition.
The minimum standard expected is Grade 7 or equivalent. A high standard of performance is expected. Ideally, candidates should have some public performance experience (competitions, recitals, concerts etc.).
At least one of the pieces must be by a composer from the following list: Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy.
(Church organ and Classical accordion candidates may present pieces by composers not listed here)
Sight-reading: Candidates are expected to take a sight-reading test (Grade 7 level or equivalent)
Scales/Arpeggios: Candidates are expected to perform scales and arpeggios in the following keys: D flat, E flat, F,G, A, B: 4 octaves, hands together, major and minor (harmonic or melodic). Please note that the minimum metronome speed for scales is crotchet (4 semiquavers) = 88.
Quick Study: available online/by email from 2 weeks before the audition.
Interview: There will be a short informal interview to assess suitability to the programme. Applicants should be prepared to answer questions about their performance history, technical development and repertoire played during the last 2-3 years, including competitions, public performances, examinations etc.
NB. Please Note
Film music, transcriptions, arrangements, popular, rock, light classical, self-composed, traditional Irish or jazz pieces are not accepted for repertoire requirements
This degree programme does not cater for electronic keyboard.
Organ applicants can request a copy of the specification of the instrument.
Organ
Repertoire: Applicants must perform two contrasting pieces for manuals and pedals of Grade 7/8 standard or equivalent, one of which should be by a Baroque composer.
Sight-reading: Applicants will be given a sight-reading test to perform (Grade 7 or equivalent). The specification for the main organ at the Conservatory is available here.
Harpsichord
Repertoire: Applicants must perform two contrasting pieces of Grade 7/8 standard or equivalent, at least one of which should be by a Baroque composer.
Sight-reading: Applicants will be given a sight-reading test to perform (Grade 7 or equivalent)
Classical Accordion
Repertoire: Applicants must perform two contrasting pieces of Grade 7/8 standard or equivalent.
Sight-reading: Applicants will be given a sight-reading test to perform (Grade 7 or equivalent)
Orchestral Department
Repertoire: Applicants must prepare two contrasting pieces from the classical repertoire of at least Grade 7 standard or equivalent. A high standard of performance is expected. Candidates may bring their own accompanist or have one provided upon request. Please note that backing tracks are not permitted.
Sight-reading: Applicants will be given a sight-reading test to perform
Scales/technical exercises: Applicants will be asked to perform scales and/or technical exercises appropriate to their instrument and level
Irish Traditional Music
Instrumentalists: Two contrasting melodies (air & a set of dance tunes).
Vocalists: Two contrasting songs (preferably, one from the Gaelic song tradition.)
Vocal Department
Repertoire: Applicants are required to prepare two contrasting songs from the classical repertoire, with piano accompaniment – an accompanist will be provided. Songs from modern musicals will not be accepted.
Further Information
Email: Helen.Lawlor@tudublin.ie
There is worldwide demand for the talents of Irish-trained musicians – both classical and traditional vocalists and musicians. This full-time degree course will prepare you for a career as an instrumental or vocal performer, teacher, composer or musicologist.
The course places a major emphasis on performance, combined with supporting academic study. Areas studied include composition, history of music, aural training, education studies, music technology, and supporting musicianship. In Years 3 and 4, you can build your own pathway with specialised modules in your area of interest.
Develop your musical skill by working with Ireland’s leading musicians for the entire duration of your degree through one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons. You will also have a second study to further develop your musical talents. Check out our Staff Profiles.
The BMus in Performance is both a challenging and enjoyable course, combining competitive performance experience with a careful balance of musicianship and practical skills. What an enlightening four years!
You will have opportunities to showcase your talents by participating in a diverse programme of concerts, recitals and stage performances. A core element in the course is participation in ensembles, including: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choral Society, Chamber Choir, Opera Ensemble, Irish Traditional Music Ensemble, Big Band and Early Music Ensemble.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Exchange opportunities are offered on a competitive basis. We have links with European and US institutions, including Columbia College Chicago, Ryerson University in Toronto, Metropolia University in Helsinki, the Liszt Academy in Budapest, and the Kódaly Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary.
Our students are highly successful in their chosen fields. A degree in music gives you high-level expertise in your chosen field: excellence in vocal/instrumental tuition and ensemble experience. This is supported by university research-led academic lectures in a range of subjects.
Music students learn professional skills from first year through to graduation. They become skilled in a range of transferable skills including:
- Artistic collaborative practice
- Working to deadlines
- Project management
- Teamwork
- Self-directed learning
- Research
Conservatoire graduates have continued their careers in a diverse range of employment contexts including careers as:
- Professional musicians – orchestra/opera/traditional
- Music technology and recording/engineering
- Music teaching (secondary, primary, individual and group)
- Composers
- Researchers
- Lecturers
- Writers
- Broadcasters
- Music journalism
Many of our students have continued their education through Masters and Doctoral programmes both in Ireland and abroad.
Check out our alumni page here to see our TU Dublin Conservatoire Graduates
This is a sample timetable for Year 1, Semester 1 which gives an indication of class contact hours. Timetables are subject to change. Up to date timetables will be provided on commencement.
Semester 1
- Aural 1 [Mandatory]
- Ensemble 1 [Mandatory]
- Supporting Musicianship 1 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Irish Traditional Music Past and Present [Mandatory]
- History of Music 1 [Mandatory]
- Technology and Professional Studies 1 [Mandatory]
- Vocal Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Stylistic Issues in Irish Traditional Music [Elective]
- Composition Studies 1 [Elective]
- Foundations of Musical Theory [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Conducting 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Improvisation 1 [Elective]
Semester 2
- Aural 1 [Mandatory]
- Ensemble 1 [Mandatory]
- Supporting Musicianship 1 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Irish Traditional Music Past and Present [Mandatory]
- History of Music 1 [Mandatory]
- Technology and Professional Studies 1 [Mandatory]
- Vocal Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 1 [Elective]
- Stylistic Issues in Irish Traditional Music [Elective]
- Composition Studies 1 [Elective]
- Foundations of Musical Theory [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Conducting 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Improvisation 1 [Elective]
Semester 1
- Aural 2 [Mandatory]
- Ensemble 2 [Mandatory]
- History of Music 2 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Analysis and Inst./Vocal Teaching [Mandatory]
- Supporting Musicianship 2 [Mandatory]
- Technology and Professional Studies 2 [Mandatory]
- Composition Studies 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Conducting 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Improvisation 1 [Elective]
- Socio-Historical Studies in Irish Traditional Music [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Composition Studies 2 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Composition Studies 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Conducting 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Improvisation 1 [Elective]
- Socio-Historical Studies in Irish Traditional Music [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Composition Studies 2 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
Semester 2
- Aural 2 [Mandatory]
- Ensemble 2 [Mandatory]
- History of Music 2 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Analysis and Inst./Vocal Teaching [Mandatory]
- Supporting Musicianship 2 [Mandatory]
- Technology and Professional Studies 2 [Mandatory]
- Composition Studies 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Conducting 1 [Elective]
- Chamber Music and Improvisation 1 [Elective]
- Socio-Historical Studies in Irish Traditional Music [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Composition Studies 2 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 2 [Elective]
Semester 1
- Ensemble 3 [Mandatory]
- Technology and Professional Studies 3 [Mandatory]
- Traditional Performance Studies 3 [Mandatory]
- Chamber Music 3 [Mandatory]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 1 [Mandatory]
- Music Education: Theoretical Perspectives [Mandatory]
- Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Practice [Mandatory]
- Musician in the Community [Mandatory]
- Composition Portfolio 1 [Mandatory]
- 19th-Century Composition and Orchestration [Mandatory]
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th-21st Century Composition Techniques [Mandatory]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1 [Mandatory]
- Dissertation [Minor] [Mandatory]
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis [Mandatory]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1 [Mandatory]
- Slow Airs: Instrumental Interpretation and Performance [Mandatory]
- Studies in World Music [Mandatory]
- The Harping Tradition and Music Collections [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Scripture and Theology [Mandatory]
- Liturgical Ensemble 1 [Mandatory]
- Liturgy and Music 1 [Mandatory]
- Tonal Analysis and Orchestration [Mandatory]
- Aural 3 [Elective]
- Ensemble 3 [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 3B [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 3A [Elective]
- Keyboard Studies 3 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 3B [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 3A [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 3 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 3A [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 3B [Elective]
- Chamber Music 3 [Elective]
- Collaborative Piano 1 [Elective]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 1 [Elective]
- Music Education: Theoretical Perspectives [Elective]
- Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Practice [Elective]
- Musician in the Community [Elective]
- 19th-Century Composition and Orchestration [Elective]
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th-21st Century Composition Techniques [Elective]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1 [Elective]
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis [Elective]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1 [Elective]
- Slow Airs: Instrumental Interpretation and Performance [Elective]
- Studies in World Music [Elective]
- The Harping Tradition and Music Collections [Elective]
- Introduction to Scripture and Theology [Elective]
- Liturgical Ensemble 1 [Elective]
- Liturgy and Music 1 [Elective]
- Tonal Analysis and Orchestration [Elective]
- Early Music Ensemble [Elective]
- History of Ideas [Elective]
- Technology for Live Performance & Studio Recording [Elective]
- Conducting and Improvisation 2 [Elective]
- Contemporary Music Ensemble and Technology-Based Composition [Elective]
Semester 2
- Ensemble 3 [Mandatory]
- Technology and Professional Studies 3 [Mandatory]
- Traditional Performance Studies 3 [Mandatory]
- Chamber Music 3 [Mandatory]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 1 [Mandatory]
- Music Education: Theoretical Perspectives [Mandatory]
- Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Practice [Mandatory]
- Musician in the Community [Mandatory]
- Composition Portfolio 1 [Mandatory]
- 19th-Century Composition and Orchestration [Mandatory]
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th-21st Century Composition Techniques [Mandatory]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1 [Mandatory]
- Dissertation [Minor] [Mandatory]
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis [Mandatory]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1 [Mandatory]
- Slow Airs: Instrumental Interpretation and Performance [Mandatory]
- Studies in World Music [Mandatory]
- The Harping Tradition and Music Collections [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Scripture and Theology [Mandatory]
- Liturgical Ensemble 1 [Mandatory]
- Liturgy and Music 1 [Mandatory]
- Tonal Analysis and Orchestration [Mandatory]
- Aural 3 [Elective]
- Ensemble 3 [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 3B [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 3A [Elective]
- Keyboard Studies 3 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 3B [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 3A [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 3 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 3A [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 3B [Elective]
- Chamber Music 3 [Elective]
- Collaborative Piano 1 [Elective]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 1 [Elective]
- Music Education: Theoretical Perspectives [Elective]
- Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Practice [Elective]
- Musician in the Community [Elective]
- 19th-Century Composition and Orchestration [Elective]
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th-21st Century Composition Techniques [Elective]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1 [Elective]
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis [Elective]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1 [Elective]
- Slow Airs: Instrumental Interpretation and Performance [Elective]
- Studies in World Music [Elective]
- The Harping Tradition and Music Collections [Elective]
- Introduction to Scripture and Theology [Elective]
- Liturgical Ensemble 1 [Elective]
- Liturgy and Music 1 [Elective]
- Tonal Analysis and Orchestration [Elective]
- Early Music Ensemble [Elective]
- History of Ideas [Elective]
- Technology for Live Performance & Studio Recording [Elective]
- Conducting and Improvisation 2 [Elective]
- Contemporary Music Ensemble and Technology-Based Composition [Elective]
- Performance Studies (Erasmus) [Elective]
Semester 1
- Chamber Music 4 [Mandatory]
- Ensemble 4 [Mandatory]
- Professional Studies 4 [Mandatory]
- Traditional Performance Studies 4 [Mandatory]
- Teaching Practice [Mandatory]
- Contextualising Music Education: Issues and Practice [Mandatory]
- Research Project [Mandatory]
- Composition Portfolio 2 [Mandatory]
- Contemporary Music Ensemble and Technology-Based Composition [Mandatory]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 2 [Mandatory]
- Dissertation [Major] [Mandatory]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 2 [Mandatory]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 2 [Mandatory]
- Traditional Composition and Archive Research [Mandatory]
- Scripture, Liturgy and Music [Mandatory]
- Liturgical Ensemble 2 [Mandatory]
- Aural 3 [Elective]
- Keyboard Studies 3 [Elective]
- Music Education: Theoretical Perspectives [Elective]
- Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Practice [Elective]
- Musician in the Community [Elective]
- 19th-Century Composition and Orchestration [Elective]
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th-21st Century Composition Techniques [Elective]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1 [Elective]
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis [Elective]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1 [Elective]
- Slow Airs: Instrumental Interpretation and Performance [Elective]
- Studies in World Music [Elective]
- The Harping Tradition and Music Collections [Elective]
- Introduction to Scripture and Theology [Elective]
- Liturgical Ensemble 1 [Elective]
- Liturgy and Music 1 [Elective]
- Tonal Analysis and Orchestration [Elective]
- Early Music Ensemble [Elective]
- History of Ideas [Elective]
- Technology for Live Performance & Studio Recording [Elective]
- Conducting and Improvisation 2 [Elective]
- Chamber Music 4 [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 4B [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 4A [Elective]
- Keyboard Studies 4 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 4B [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 4A [Elective]
- Ensemble 4 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 4 [Elective]
- Collaborative Piano 2 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 4A [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 4B [Elective]
- Contextualising Music Education: Issues and Practice [Elective]
- Contemporary Music Ensemble and Technology-Based Composition [Elective]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 2 [Elective]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 2 [Elective]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 2 [Elective]
- Traditional Composition and Archive Research [Elective]
- Scripture, Liturgy and Music [Elective]
- Liturgical Ensemble 2 [Elective]
Semester 2
- Chamber Music 4 [Mandatory]
- Ensemble 4 [Mandatory]
- Professional Studies 4 [Mandatory]
- Traditional Performance Studies 4 [Mandatory]
- Teaching Practice [Mandatory]
- Contextualising Music Education: Issues and Practice [Mandatory]
- Research Project [Mandatory]
- Composition Portfolio 2 [Mandatory]
- Contemporary Music Ensemble and Technology-Based Composition [Mandatory]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 2 [Mandatory]
- Dissertation [Major] [Mandatory]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 2 [Mandatory]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 2 [Mandatory]
- Traditional Composition and Archive Research [Mandatory]
- Scripture, Liturgy and Music [Mandatory]
- Liturgical Ensemble 2 [Mandatory]
- Aural 3 [Elective]
- Keyboard Studies 3 [Elective]
- Music Education: Theoretical Perspectives [Elective]
- Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Theory and Practice [Elective]
- Musician in the Community [Elective]
- 19th-Century Composition and Orchestration [Elective]
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th-21st Century Composition Techniques [Elective]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1 [Elective]
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis [Elective]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 1 [Elective]
- Slow Airs: Instrumental Interpretation and Performance [Elective]
- Studies in World Music [Elective]
- The Harping Tradition and Music Collections [Elective]
- Introduction to Scripture and Theology [Elective]
- Liturgical Ensemble 1 [Elective]
- Liturgy and Music 1 [Elective]
- Tonal Analysis and Orchestration [Elective]
- Early Music Ensemble [Elective]
- History of Ideas [Elective]
- Technology for Live Performance & Studio Recording [Elective]
- Conducting and Improvisation 2 [Elective]
- Chamber Music 4 [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 4B [Elective]
- Keyboard Performance Studies 4A [Elective]
- Keyboard Studies 4 [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 4B [Elective]
- Orchestral Performance Studies 4A [Elective]
- Ensemble 4 [Elective]
- Traditional Performance Studies 4 [Elective]
- Collaborative Piano 2 [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 4A [Elective]
- Vocal Performance Studies 4B [Elective]
- Contextualising Music Education: Issues and Practice [Elective]
- Contemporary Music Ensemble and Technology-Based Composition [Elective]
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 2 [Elective]
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 2 [Elective]
- The Song and Instrumental Traditions 2 [Elective]
- Traditional Composition and Archive Research [Elective]
- Scripture, Liturgy and Music [Elective]
- Liturgical Ensemble 2 [Elective]
By doing the BMUS, not only did I receive intense one-to-one coaching to improve my singing, the academic facilities allowed me to comprehensively research areas of particular interest to me, to the extent that my final-year thesis on contemporary opera was chosen as the best undergraduate musicology dissertation in Ireland by the Council of the Heads of Music in Higher Education.
The BMus in Performance is both a challenging and enjoyable course, combining competitive performance experience with a careful balance of musicianship and practical skills. What an enlightening four years!
There is a great atmosphere at the college with a friendly community between students and staff. Thanks to having access to some of Ireland’s leading musicians, I have now completed the first year of the Master of Music course in performance at the Royal College of Music in London.
On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.