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Audition

Students who list SE206 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music on their CAO before 1 February, will have the option of submitting an audition video or attending a Zoom audition which will take place in April.

If you do not receive details about these alternative arrangements, please email [email protected]

The audition process

Roadmap to undergoing the programme

What is the BA (Hons) in Music course?

The BA (Hons) in Music is a four year full-time degree which aims to give the student a well-rounded third level music education.  The course offers a balance between practical and theoretical modules within the context of the principal music genres (classical, Irish traditional, jazz and popular).  This diversity will serve the student well both in the current job market and in pursuing postgraduate study opportunities.

BA (Hons) in Music course special features

The BA (Hons) in Music offers a unique opportunity to embrace the classical, Irish traditional or jazz and popular music genres.  The balance between academic and practical music subjects is very desirable in the current job market, and the opportunity to specialise in Year 4 allows the student to focus on their strengths.

Restricted Course

Please note that the BA (Hons) in Music is a restricted course, applicants must apply by 1 February.

Instruments

Should you be offered and accept a place on SE206, tuition will be provided in the instruments listed in the attached document titled  SE206 - Instrument Listing. You will be required to specialise in one of these instruments.

Year 2, 3 & 4

Music History 

There is a wide range of history options; some examples include ethnomusicology, baroque, popular music since 1950, Irish contemporary music, traditional Irish music and the Beebop era.

Technical Subjects

In addition students also study technical subjects such as:

  • Music Technology

  • Digital, Audio & Acoustics

  • Advanced Recording Techniques

Ensembles 

Students take part in a weekly large performance group (Jazz, Chamber Choir, Guitar, Irish Traditional and Orchestra). 

Major & Minor

In Year 4, students can choose a major and a minor in the following subjects:

  • Composition

  • Dissertation

  • Performance

  • Advanced Music Technology

The delivery of electives will depend on the demand and resources available.
 

Year 1

Semester 1 Semester 2
Aural Skills 1 Music History 2: Popular Music
Critical Thinking & Writing Skills Music Research Methodologies
Music History 1 - The History of Early Music to the Baroque Music Technology 2
Music Technology 1 Musicianship 1: Vocal & Irish Traditional Music Skills
Performance 1 Performance 2
Rudiments of Music 1 Rudiments of Music 2

Year 2

Semester 3 Semester 4
Professional Development for Musicians Composition and Analysis 1
Aural Skills 2 Music History 4 - Irish Traditional Music and Ethnomusicology
Composition and Orchestration 1 Music Technology 4
Music History 3-Classical and Romantic Musicianship 2: Keyboard Skills & Fretboard Skills
Music Technology 3 Performance 4
Performance 3 Elective options

Year 3

Semester 5 Semester 6
Aural Skills 3 Composition and Analysis 2
Composition and Orchestration 2 Community Connect
Music History 5 - The History of 20th Century & Contemporary Music Music History 6 – The History of Jazz
Music Pedagogy Musicianship 3: Improvisation and Conducting
Performance 5 Performance 6
Recording Techniques Sound Synthesis and Sampling

Year 4

Semester 7 Semester 8
Choose two of the following electives: Choose two of the following electives:
Music History Music History
*Composition *Composition
*Research *Research
*Performance *Performance
*Music Technology *Music Technology
* = Elective * = Elective

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Music

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Audition/Interview

Additional Requirements for BA (Hons) in Music:

  • All applicants must submit an audition video or attend a Zoom interview to show a performance standard achievement with a musical instrument/voice equivalent to grade 5 of a recognised music examining body
  • Please note that the BA (Hons) in Music is a restricted course, applicants must apply by 1 February.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Music:

BA (Hons) in Music career opportunities

A degree in music is a valuable asset for access to many other careers. In particular, music graduates are sought after in professions which demand a high level of personal confidence, communication skills and expressive ability. Graduates of the course have found employment in:

  • Performing
  • Music Publishing and Editing
  • Arts Management
  • Multi-media Composers and Arrangers
  • Music Therapy
  • Music Journalism
  • Music Education


Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Music graduates 

Many graduates continue with one of our postgraduate MA & PhD programmes, or there Professional Master of Education or Masters programmes in relevant areas. Graduates can also apply for a place on our taught MA in Arts and Heritage Management.  Postgraduate opportunities in music at SETU Waterford include:

  • MA in Music Performance
  • MA in Musicology
  • MA in Composition
  • PhD in Musicology
  • PhD in Composition

BA (Hons) in Music career opportunities

A degree in music is a valuable asset for access to many other careers. In particular, music graduates are sought after in professions which demand a high level of personal confidence, communication skills and expressive ability. Graduates of the course have found employment as:

  • Teaching after gaining a professional Master of Education
  • Performing
  • Music Publishing and Editing
  • Arts Management
  • Administrators
  • Composers
  • Arrangers (in the area of music technology and other related areas)
  • Music Therapy

Many graduates continue with one of our postgraduate MA & PhD programmes, or ther Professional Master of Education or Masters programmes in relevant areas. Graduates can also apply for a place on our taught MA in Arts and Heritage Management.  Postgraduate opportunities in music at SETU Waterford include:

  • MA in Music Performance
  • MA in Musicology
  • MA in Composition
  • PhD in Musicology
  • PhD in Composition

Music Auditions 2023

All students who have applied for the BA (Hons) in Music at SETU Waterford and hope to gain entrance to the programme must submit an audition video or attend a Zoom audition in April.  For more information contact Dr Hazel Farrell - Course Leader BA (Hons) in Music (email: [email protected] / tel: +353 51 302263).

 

Contact

Course Leader

Dr Hazel Farrell

Programme Leader BA (Hons) Music, Lecturer in Music -

Call: +35351302263

Email: [email protected]

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