What is the BA (Hons) in Music course?
The BA (Hons) in Music is a four year full-time degree which aims to give the student a well-rounded third level music education. The course offers a balance between practical and theoretical modules within the context of the principal music genres (classical, Irish traditional, jazz and popular). This diversity will serve the student well both in the current job market and in pursuing postgraduate study opportunities.
BA (Hons) in Music course special features
The BA (Hons) in Music offers a unique opportunity to embrace the classical, Irish traditional or jazz and popular music genres. The balance between academic and practical music subjects is very desirable in the current job market, and the opportunity to specialise in Year 4 allows the student to focus on their strengths.
Restricted Course
Please note that the BA (Hons) in Music is a restricted course, applicants must apply by 1 February.
Instruments
Should you be offered and accept a place on WD027, tuition will be provided in the instruments listed in the attached document titled
WD027 Instrument Listing. You will be required to specialise in one of these instruments.
Year One
Semester One |
Semester Two |
|
Critical Thinking & Writing Skills |
Music Research Methodologies |
|
Music Technology 1 |
Music Technology 2 |
|
Composition 1 |
Composition 2 |
|
Performance 1 |
Performance 2 |
|
General Musicianship 1 which includes the following: |
General Musicianship 2 which includes the following: |
|
*Keyboard Skills |
*Keyboard Skills |
|
*Vocal Skills |
*Vocal Skills |
|
*Fretboard Skills |
*Fretboard Skills |
|
*Improvisation |
*Improvisation |
|
*Irish Traditional Practical |
*Irish Traditional Practical |
|
*Music History |
*Music History |
Year Two, Three & Four
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
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:
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Composition
-
Dissertation
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Performance
-
Advanced Music Technology
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Critical Music Editing
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Conducting
The delivery of electives will depend on the demand and resources available.
Leaving Certificate 2018:
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:
- In addition to Leaving Certificate, students are required to attend for written and aural musical tests and to show a performance standard achievement with a musical instrument and voice equivalent to grade 5 of a recognised music examining body.
- All applicants must attend for the written examination and aural test to be considered for a place.
- Please note that the BA (Hons) in Music is a restricted course, applicants must apply by February 1st.
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Music:
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
Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Music graduates
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 WIT include:
- MA in Music Performance
- MA in Musicology
- MA in Composition
- PhD in Musicology
- PhD in Composition
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Music Auditions 2018
The BA (Hons) in Music auditions will take place from Wednesday 11th April to Saturday 14th April 2018. All students who have applied for the BA (Hons) in Music at WIT and hope to gain entrance to the programme must attend for audition. For more information contact Dr. Hazel Farrell - Course Leader BA (Hons) in Music (email: hfarrell@wit.ie / tel: +353 51 302263).
Test Downloads
The Music Student Experience
There is a Music Student Experience event held during Spring every year in WIT. Details for this event are available at www.wit.ie/events or you can contact the course leader.
Course Brochure
Click here to download a copy of the
BA (Hons) in Music course brochure.
Course Leader
Ask a Course Question
If you need to contact the course leader directly, please use the email address listed above.
If you are considering applying for this course and have particular questions about it or the application process, please use the form below to ask your question. To ensure your question is answered more speedily, please try to choose the relevant contact point in the drop down menu. If you are unsure of your contact point, please choose "General".