On Thursday, 29th April at the New Black Box Theatre at 4.00 pm - Professor Jan Smaczny of Queen's University Belfast will give a seminar entitled '"The nation to itself!" - understanding Czech opera'.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Music
Course Code: DK860
Level: 8
Duration: 4 years full time
Number of Places: 30
Programme Summary
Interested in a degree with a difference? Are you dedicated and committed to developing your musical skills to a high standard? Our B.A (Honours) in Applied Music can offer you an exciting blend of traditional, classical, rock and pop with music technology! We welcome students from different music backgrounds and with a diversity of interests. The programme is both challenging and enriching, and gives you the chance to participate in a wide range of music activities.
About this programme
Music performance is a central focus of the programme where you may specialise in your chosen performance genre. Students also take part in the various music ensembles including music theatre, rock/pop and traditional groups, choir and orchestra, along with regular masterclasses from visiting professionals. In years three and four we offer specialisms in composition, performance (classical, traditional, rock/pop), music technology, music education and community, musicology and ethnomusicology. The programme is also approved for entry into the H.Dip.Ed. for second-level school teaching.
What subjects will I study?
Stage 1 Semester 1
- Irish Music 1: History, Style and Repertoire
- Music and Western Civilisation: From Ancient Times to the Renaissance and Applied Writing Skills
- Music Fundamentals and Acoustics
- Performance Practice and Ensemble 1
- Introduction to Technology and Recording Techniques
- Applied Musicianship 1 – Keyboard/Fretboard Harmony – Vocal Ensemble
Stage 1 Semester 2
- Irish Music 2: Aesthetics, Dance and Performance
- Music and Western Civilisation: Early Baroque to Early Classical Periods
- The Elements of Composition
- Performance Practice and Ensemble 2
- Notation & Sequencing Applications and Recording Techniques
- Applied Musicianship 2 - Keyboard/Fretboard Harmony – Vocal Ensemble
Stage 2 Semester 3
- Irish Music 3: The Irish Song Traditions
- Music and Western Civilisation: Classical to Romantic
- Composition & Arranging and MIDI Theory & Practice
- Performance Practice and Ensemble 3
- Sound Synthesis and Recording Techniques & Technologies
- Applied Musicianship 3 - Keyboard/Fretboard Harmony – Vocal Ensemble
Stage 2 Semester 4
- Irish Music 4: Solo Performance Style
- Music and Western Civilisation: Romanticism Merging with Modernism
- Composition & Arranging and Electroacoustic Composition
- Performance Practice & Ensemble 4
- Music Production, Sound Editing & Manipulation Techniques
- Applied Musicianship 4 - Keyboard/Fretboard Harmony – Vocal Ensemble
Stage 3 Semester 5
- Performance Theory & Practice and Choral Conducting 1
- Popular Music and Contemporary Culture 1
- Analysis of 17th and 18th Century Musical Styles and Structures
- Extended Sound Synthesis Techniques
- Electroacoustic Music & Composition
- Music Production 1
- Solo Performance 1
- Community Music
- Irish Music 5: Ensemble Style
- Irish Music 6: Collectors, Collection and Canon
- Philosophy of Music Education
- Composition & Orchestration 1
Stage 3 Semester 6
- Performance Theory & Practice and Choral Conducting 2
- Popular Music and Contemporary Culture 2
- Analysis of 19th Century Musical Styles and Structures
- Technology in Music Education and Community Music
- Design and Implementation of Digital Musical Instruments
- Music Production 2
- Solo Performance 2
- Workshop Studies
- Irish Music 7: Tradition, Innovation & the State
- Irish Music 8: The ‘Celtic’ Music World
- Psychology of Music Education
- Composition & Orchestration 2
Stage 4 Semester 7
- Performance Practice & Ensemble 7 and Advanced Conducting 1
- Dissertation: Research & Investigation
- Music Production 3
- Music & Multimedia
- Algorithmic Composition
- Solo Performance 3
- Contemporary Music Seminar: European and American Musical Styles and Structures
- Group Facilitation Studies
- Ethnomusicology 1: Principles & Method
- Systems of Music Education
- Composition Portfolio 1
Stage 4 Semester 8
- Performance Practice & Ensemble 8 and Advanced Conducting 2
- Dissertation
- Design and Implementation of Interactive Music Systems
- Music & Image
- Studio Electronics
- Electroacoustic Music: Composition Portfolio
- Solo Performance 4
- Contemporary Music Seminar: Irish Styles & Structures
- Ethnomusicology 2: Music of Non-Western Cultures
- Multicultural Music Learning, Transmission and Fusion
- Applied Music Curriculum Studies
- Composition Portfolio 2
Entry Requirements
Two C3 grades in Higher Level papers, and at least a grade D3 in four Ordinay Level papers at Leaving Cert. (or equivalent).
Leaving Cert Music (or an equivalent qualification, or demonstrative performance ability) is also desirable. Applications are invited from students with diverse music backgrounds including Traditional/Folk, Classical, Popular, Contemporary, Jazz.
Applicants will be required to undertake an interview and aural test at Easter. Instrumental, vocal or other performance will be a key part of this, and points will be awarded for the audition. Applicants with an interest in composition may submit a portfolio of their works. The criteria for assessment will be aural aptitude, performance ability and general music knowledge.
Career Options
A degree in music can give access to many other careers and music graduates are sought after in professions which demand a high level of personal confidence, communication skills and expressive ability. Careers may include:
- Music technology & music software development
- Music teaching
- Composing, arranging, publishing, realization and editing
- Production and management
- Music performance: solo or ensemble
- Library, archival work
- Community arts employment
- Performance sound applications
- Research and further education at DkIT and elsewhere
Further Information
Fintan Vallely
Email: Fintan.Vallely@dkit.ie