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• Chamber Music 
• Composition Course 
• Junior Choirs 
• Musicianship Classes 
• Music Theatre Class 
• Opera Class 
• Oratario Class 
• Phonetics 
• Recorder Class 
• RIAM Choral Society 
• Sight-Singing Class 
• Song Class 
• Speech and Drama Classes 
• Viol Consort Class 

Chamber Music

Composition Course

Composer in Residence, Mr Kevin O'Connell tutors the composition course at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. This course provides students with the opportunity to compose pieces using a variety of contemporary techniques. Assessment is be on a continuous basis. Applications for the course are accepted from students from junior level up to third level.

Junior Choirs

The Junior Choirs are made up of children aged between 8 and 16 who meet on Saturdays to explore songs for the young under the musical direction of Denise Coleman and Elizabeth Keighary. The Choirs have already collaborated with the RIAM Junior Strings in a concert in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children and future plans include a showcase concert at the Academy later in the year. The three choirs are held on Saturdays from 12.15 pm to 3.15 pm (one hour each) over a thirty week period from September to June.

Musicianship Classes

The Academic year in which a student turns eight years of age they must take Musicianship classes in addition to their instrumental/vocal tuition. We strongly believe that in order to play music well, every musician must understand the ‘mechanics’ of music too. Our classes are filled with variety, as each student will learn to write musical notation, compose, study the history of music and will also have ear training. These classes are not open to students outside the RIAM.

Music Theatre Class

The Star Academy Course is aimed at students who enjoy singing and performing popular songs.  Many popular singing styles are explored ie Pop Chart Songs, Jazz, Country and Western, Rap, etc. A major emphasis is put on Musical Theatre in this course where students learn how to sing in different voice qualities, such as belting and head voice. Drama and movement are also incorporated. Other areas covered in this exciting course are audition preparation, voice protection, vocal physiology, posture, breathing exercises, text delivery and repertoire. The Star Academy's Musical journey concludes each year with a fully-staged variety show which is open to the public. 

Opera Class

An Exploration of Operatic Recitative Arias & Ensembles, this opera course, directed by Suzanne Murphy, covers the interpretation of operatic recitatives and arias prepared by students, and provides an introduction to a wide variety of repertoire, as appropriate to the individual singer. Attention to performance details, such as posture, presentation, clarity of text, communication, and stage technique, are incorporated in the course. In addition operatic ensembles are prepared and developed into scenes from operas studied, analysing the characters' history and interrelationships. Students are encouraged to explore work together. The course is tailored to the individual needs and development rates of each student. For details of fees and any other queries, please contact the General Office.

Oratorio Class

From Plainsong Passion to War Requiem - this flexible course of lectures and practical classes helps students put their oratorio singing into its historical and stylistic context. This course includes occasional short lectures, integrated with practical work on prepared arias and ensembles suggested by course director Philip O'Reilly, individual singing teachers "work in progress" and music arising from the history under discussion. Classes are held once a week for a two-hour period. Philip encourages advanced singers to learn the necessary core repertoire of works for their voice and explains the importance of musicianship and presentation. With thirty years of oratorio experience in more than fifty countries, Philip has practical advice to all those interested at whatever level, and encourages instrumental involvement in the obligato repertoire. For details of fees and any other queries, please contact the General Office.

Phonetics

Recorder Class

The RIAM Recorder Class is designed for 6-10 year old students and is an ideal class for those intending to progress to wind, brass or percussion instruments. Classes consisting of three students are held for 40 minutes each week during the academic year. Students learn the basic techniques of recorder playing, breathing and reading music.

RIAM Choral Society

The RIAM Choral Society was founded in September 2003 under the directorship of James Cavanagh.  The Royal Irish Academy of Music Choral Society is open to all singing students and non-orchestral degree students of the RIAM as well as non-students of the RIAM. The latter must pay an application and membership fee. Repertoire will consist of major choral works.

Sight-Singing Class

It is vital that singers become trained in sightsinging, both to enhance their enjoyment of singing in a choir and of assisting them to learn any music more quickly and effectively. Part-time and full-time singing students in the Academy are encouraged to attend our sightsinging classes. We have been pleased to note improvements in students’ marks in these skills at examination time since these classes were introduced.

Song Class

The Course Directors, Colette McGahon and Kathleen Tynan, take students on a voyage of discovery through the many faceted realms of art song. From the highs and lows of the German Lied, to the ecstatic charm of the French Chanson, trips to the American continent, Great Britain and occasional forays even further afield! With a lifelong love of song, not to mention a huge experience of performing recital repertoire, Colette and Kathleen entice students with the wonderful poetry, which inspired these songwriters to produce such magical creations. On this journey students will deal with language, historical context and appropriate stylistic vocal response together with performance techniques.

Speech and Drama Classes

Classes take place at the Academy for students from age 5 years upwards and for all grades up to Senior Level. These classes provide students with the opportunity to develop their creativity in a relaxed and informal environment, and offer a wide range of activities including voice training, movement, mime, improvisation and stagecraft. Emphasis is placed on personal development and class sizes are kept to a minimum to ensure individual attention to students at all levels. Entry is by audition, and each successful applicant is placed in the class, which is most suitable for them in terms of their age and experience. Performance is central to the study of Speech and Drama, and students of the Academy are fortunate to have the facility of the Katherine Brennan Hall, which has recently been refurbished, and which boasts a large proscenium stage and seats an audience of 200. Students are encouraged to participate in Drama Festivals and Feiseanna. The Drama Department is also in contact with casting agencies and students are given the opportunity to audition for TV commercials and films as they arise.

Viol Consort Class

A weekly two-hour consort class for treble, tenor and bass viol (viola da gamba) players who are able to read fluently on their instrument. All comers are welcome to join, on audition. Minimal instruction is given during the class in favour of all the more playing, on Wednesday evenings at 7.00 pm, thirty weeks a year. Founded by John Beckett in 1973, the class is now directed by Andrew Robinson.