Irish Traditional Music Performance and Traineeship in Instrument Making, Repair and Maintenance Level 6

Why choose this course?

Students can complete either:

1. Stream 1: HND in Traditional Irish Music, or
2. Stream 2: HND Traineeship in Traditional Irish Music

Stream 1 Irish Traditional Music Performance

This programme is suitable for all traditional musicians and singers who wish to develop their practical skills and musicianship. The course places an emphasis on performance, developing musical skills, musical instrument making and music technology, deepening your understanding of Irish traditional music. In second year, you have the opportunity to record, engineer and produce their own CD, using college facilities.

Stream 2 Traineeship in Instrument Making, Repair and Maintenance

The programme, in partnership with Na Piobairí Uilleann, also offers a traineeship in musical instrument making for students who wish to develop their skills in this area. In September 2020 the harp and mandolin/mandola was added to the uilleann pipes, whistle and flute on the instrument making strand. As well as workshop time with an expert instrument maker, students have access to the instrument making workshop on a regular basis to further develop their skills. Those students completing the traineeship will be facilitated in completing 14 weeks relevant work placement.

What will you study?

Course Features

• Expert tuition in all aspects of Irish Traditional Music and music performance
• Workshops and guest lectures from leading exponents of the tradition.
• Performance opportunities
• Musical Instrument Making
• Access to on campus recording studios
• Strong links to the music industry
• CD Production

What do you need to apply?

Year 1 Higher National Certificate

• Leaving Certificate/LCVP with a minimum of two O1/H5 and three O6/ H7 grades, or a relevant QQI Level 5 award with a Merit profile. Suitable BCFE QQI Level 5 awards include:
  • Music Performance (PMCp)
  • Sound Production (PMCe)
•  All applicants will be auditioned.
• The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+), or where outstanding talent is demonstrated at the audition.

Year 2 Higher National Diploma

• Students who have successfully completed year 1 and have achieved a Higher National Certificate in Music (General), can progress automatically to year 2.
• Applicants with an equivalent Higher National Certificate and subject to module compatibility may also apply directly to Year 2, Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development).

Progression Opportunities

• Graduates who achieve a Merit/Distinction may apply for entry to the BA (Hons) in Media Production Management programme in BCFE.
• Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/ or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities, where graduates may gain exemption of one or two years from music degree courses in Ireland, (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
• Graduates may also gain exemption of one or two years from other Music degree courses in the UK.

Career Opportunities

• The course offers significant career opportunities for graduates. Our graduates are working successfully in areas such as performance, music production, music management, arts administration, festival programming, teaching, field recording and sound engineering. Our instrument makers have the opportunity to supply instruments to the industry either through direct sales or through organisations such as Na Píobairí Uilleann.