BA (Hons) in Music

Code

SE206

Location

Waterford

Campus

College Street

Level Level 8
Duration 4 years
CAO Points 270
Credits 240
Global Applicants View details
Study Abroad View details

Audition

Students who list SE206 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music on their CAO 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

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.

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

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).