Course Summary
The course is designed to prepare graduates for a performing career in the music profession within the classical, Irish traditional music and jazz genres. Applications are welcome from solo instrumentalists, singers, accompanists and chamber ensembles.
College Link
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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will normally have:
• an honours degree (minimum 2.2) in music performance, or
• an honours degree in music (minimum 2.2) with a strong specialism in performance, or
• an equivalent qualification and have demonstrated the necessary performing potential or be of equivalent professional standing
Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application. 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 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Applicants should submit the following along with the application:
• CV with details of your performing experience (repertoire and performances) musical training and other relevant experience/education
• Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in music performance
• A recent example of academic writing in music, for example, an academic essay or scholarly programme notes
• Academic Transcripts
• Two references relating to your music experience, preferably one from your most recent teacher and one from an industry professional
Audition and Interview
Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatoire to undertake an audition and interview.
Audition
You are requested to prepare and present a 20-minute programme of works on your chosen instrument/voice, which will demonstrate musicianship and technical proficiency. For specific audition requirements, please see the Conservatoire website.
International applicants who are unable to attend an entrance audition in person may submit a video recording of their performance.
Interview
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programmed. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, performance experience and repertoire, research interests and career plans.
Please Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate courses satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the course of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview for specific courses.
Application Details
Applications for courses commencing in September 2025 will open in November 2024.
Commencement Date: September 2025
Fees
Fees (Non-EU) €27,000
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.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Career Progression
The MMus (Performance) course is designed to prepare you for a future career in the music industry. Graduates of the course have pursued careers as opera singers, concert artists, orchestral and chamber musicians, music educators and animateurs, and in many other roles in the creative industries. This multi-faceted graduate profile informs much of the course design. There are also opportunities for further study at the Conservatoire through our DMus in Performance or PhD programmes.
Duration
Mode of Study: Full time
Method of Delivery Blended