Ballyfermot College of Further Education BCFE
Course Code: PTH
Duration: 2 Years
The Higher National Diploma in Irish Traditional Music Performance, Ceoltóir, is a two year programme for musicians and singers who wish to develop and improve as performers. The course is practical in nature with an emphasis on performance and developing musical skills. In second year, students record, engineer and produce their own CD, using college facilities. Regular performances and guest lectures by leading figures in the world of traditional music are an exciting feature of the course. Recent guest lecturers included Harry Bradley, Liam O Connor, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, Gavin Ralston and Jean Michel Veillon .
In 2018 a new Instrument Making strand was introduced featuring Uilleann Pipe Making, Flute Making, and Whistle Making. This unique programme, organised in cooperation with Na Píobairí Uilleann, is designed to cater for the skills shortage within the traditional music community in terms of instrument making. The flute and whistle strands are taught by renowned flutemaker Hammy Hamilton and the pipemaking strand is taught by Donnacha Dwyer on behalf of Na Píobairí Uilleann. All instrument making classes are taught in Na Píobairí Uilleann’s PipeCraft Training Centre in Clonshaugh. 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 the skills learned.
The course aims to enable students to deepen their understanding of Irish Traditional Music and to equip students with the skills and academic qualifications for a successful career in music.
Year 1
Year 2
Leaving Certificate/LCVP with a minimum of two H5/O1 and three O6/H7 grades or equivalent or QQI level 5 award with a merit profile such as PMC Music Management & Production or BTEC National Diploma with a merit profile. The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+). All applicants will be auditioned.
HND in Irish Traditional Music Performance
This award is made by the UK awarding body BTEC Pearson. A Higher National Diploma is recognised by the QQI as being comparable to the Higher Certificate at NFQ Level 6.
Graduates may gain exemptions from one or two years of degree courses in the UK or may choose to continue performing on the traditional music circuit. Graduates who achieve a merit/distinction may also apply for entry to the BA (Hons) in Media Production Management programme in BCFE.