Music

Year 2, 3 & 4

Music History 

There is a wide range of history options; some examples include ethnomusicology, baroque, popular music since 1950, Irish contemporary music, traditional Irish music and the Beebop era.

Technical Subjects

In addition students also study technical subjects such as:

• Music Technology

• Digital, Audio & Acoustics

• Advanced Recording Techniques

Ensembles 

Students take part in a weekly large performance group (Jazz, Chamber Choir, Guitar, Irish Traditional and Orchestra). 

Major & Minor

In Year 4, students can choose a major and a minor in the following subjects:

• Composition

• Dissertation

• Performance

• Advanced Music Technology

The delivery of electives will depend on the demand and resources available.
 

Year 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Aural Skills 1	Music History 2: Popular Music
Critical Thinking & Writing Skills	Music Research Methodologies
Music History 1 - The History of Early Music to the Baroque	Music Technology 2
Music Technology 1	Musicianship 1: Vocal & Irish Traditional Music Skills
Performance 1	Performance 2
Rudiments of Music 1	Rudiments of Music 2

Year 2

Semester 3	Semester 4
Professional Development for Musicians	Composition and Analysis 1
Aural Skills 2	Music History 4 - Irish Traditional Music and Ethnomusicology
Composition and Orchestration 1	Music Technology 4
Music History 3-Classical and Romantic	Musicianship 2: Keyboard Skills & Fretboard Skills
Music Technology 3	Performance 4
Performance 3	Elective options

Year 3

Semester 5	Semester 6
Aural Skills 3	Composition and Analysis 2
Composition and Orchestration 2	Community Connect
Music History 5 - The History of 20th Century & Contemporary Music	Music History 6 – The History of Jazz
Music Pedagogy	Musicianship 3: Improvisation and Conducting
Performance 5	Performance 6
Recording Techniques	Sound Synthesis and Sampling

Year 4

Semester 7	Semester 8
Choose two of the following electives:	Choose two of the following electives:
Music History	Music History
*Composition	*Composition
*Research	*Research
*Performance	*Performance
*Music Technology	*Music Technology
* = Elective	* = Elective

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Music

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Audition/Interview

Additional Requirements for BA (Hons) in Music:

• All applicants must submit an audition video or attend a Zoom interview to show a performance standard achievement with a musical instrument/voice equivalent to grade 5 of a recognised music examining body
• Please note that the BA (Hons) in Music is a restricted course, applicants must apply by 1 February.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Music:

• QQI FET/FETAC Entry
• Advanced Entry - Years 2,3,4 or 5
• Non-EU Applicants
• Mature Entry Route

BA (Hons) in Music career opportunities

A degree in music is a valuable asset for access to many other careers. In particular, music graduates are sought after in professions which demand a high level of personal confidence, communication skills and expressive ability. Graduates of the course have found employment in:

• Performing
• Music Publishing and Editing
• Arts Management
• Multi-media Composers and Arrangers
• Music Therapy
• Music Journalism
• Music Education

Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Music graduates 

Many graduates continue with one of our postgraduate MA & PhD programmes, or there Professional Master of Education or Masters programmes in relevant areas. Graduates can also apply for a place on our taught MA in Arts and Heritage Management.  Postgraduate opportunities in music at SETU Waterford include:

• MA in Music Performance
• MA in Musicology
• MA in Composition
• PhD in Musicology
• PhD in Composition

BA (Hons) in Music career opportunities

A degree in music is a valuable asset for access to many other careers. In particular, music graduates are sought after in professions which demand a high level of personal confidence, communication skills and expressive ability. Graduates of the course have found employment as:

• Teaching after gaining a professional Master of Education
• Performing
• Music Publishing and Editing
• Arts Management
• Administrators
• Composers
• Arrangers (in the area of music technology and other related areas)
• Music Therapy

Many graduates continue with one of our postgraduate MA & PhD programmes, or ther Professional Master of Education or Masters programmes in relevant areas. Graduates can also apply for a place on our taught MA in Arts and Heritage Management.  Postgraduate opportunities in music at SETU Waterford include:

• MA in Music Performance
• MA in Musicology
• MA in Composition
• PhD in Musicology
• PhD in Composition

Music Auditions 2023

All students who have applied for the BA (Hons) in Music at SETU Waterford and hope to gain entrance to the programme must submit an audition video by Friday 21 April 2023 or attend a Zoom audition between Thursday 20 and Friday 21 April 2023.  For more information contact Dr. Hazel Farrell - Course Leader BA (Hons) in Music (email: [email protected] / tel: +353 51 302263).