Course Summary
The BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance at DCU is a four-year, full time Honours degree which trains you for a life as a professional performing musician. To take to the stage as a performer demands intensive training as well as talent. Our degree course can help you on your way to a career as a professional musician. You will also understand the context of the international music scene today, how the music business works and how you can make your mark in it.
Learn different musical techniques
The programme covers a wide range of musical techniques including performance, instrumental technique, improvisation, composition, computer music, aural training, arranging and teaching methods, all aimed at giving you the skills necessary to operate in a wide area of contemporary music, not just jazz.
Berklee College of Music
A key feature of this programme is an opportunity for you to transfer into Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world in the field of contemporary music.
College Link
College Virtual Tour
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
To view Mature Entry requirements, or alternative requirements, please visit Qualifax or the Colleges' website
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
QQI / FET Links
This course will accept Any QQI Level 5 or 6 Major Award as an entry requirement.
Click on the link below to find PLC courses that also relate to this career sector. Note you can view more courses by adjusting the filters on the listings page.
Note: Information for 2025 Entry |
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Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
The BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance gives you access to a wide field of activities as a professional musician, and a wide portfolio of skills which you can apply to many areas. The programme will give you skills in the areas of composition, arranging, producing, session musician and of course as a professional performing musician in which you will have the skills to play in many different performance environments.
The course is also in line with Teaching Council registration requirements if you decide to pursue a career teaching music. Our course meets the criteria for the Level 8 Bachelors degree (with Irish Trad module) only.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
