Certificate in Music Teaching and Performance

Application deadline

Round 2 Applications Now Open
Course duration

One year part-time
Course accreditation

Trinity Accredited Course
Course fee

€4,000 per annum
Course fee (non-EU/EEA)

€8,500

Course Introduction

Our Certificate in Music Teaching and Performance (CertMus) develops two deeply interconnected skills required by every professional musician. This certificate course is equivalent to year one part-time study of our highly popular Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance (DipMus) and provides a choice of performance or pedagogy focused pathways for those interested in pursuing a teaching or performance career.

This Certificate course is perfect for professional applicants, both teachers and performers, who are unable to commit to the two years of continuous study required of the part-time DipMus but still want a recognised award at the end of one year.

The flexibility of the Certificate course is one of its key features. Students who successfully complete the Certificate course may exit with an award of CertMus, or progress immediately without collecting the award to the Diploma (top up) in year 2. However, students who do exit with a Certificate award will also have the option to rescind it and return within five years to pursue the Diploma year 2 (top up).

PERFORMANCE OR PEDAGOGY PATHWAYs

The Performance Pathway is for those who wish to focus a greater proportion of their time on developing performance skills.

The Pedagogy Pathway is geared towards the teaching professional who also wishes to develop agility and confidence as a performer.

See Course Outline for information on modules.

Course Outline

The Certificate in Music Teaching and Performance has three curriculum strands:

Practical lessons, ensemble rehearsals and performance class develop confident performers
Pedagogy modules offer teachers a strong foundation in educational issues and teaching philosophies
Supporting academic studies provide solid musical foundations for life

Modules

PEDAGOGY PATHWAY STRUCTURE (CertMusPed)

Module 1b - Principal Study
Module 7b - Principles of Pedagogy
Module 8 - Pedagogy (Applied)
Module 9b - The Reflective Practitioner in the ensemble setting

Programme Learning Outcomes: Pedagogy Pathway

On successful completion of the Certificate course in Music Teaching and Performance (Pedagogy Pathway) students should be able to

Teach as instrumental/vocal specialists in a variety of settings from conservatoires to the private teaching environment and primary and secondary schools
Communicate a strong artistic vision, supported by a sound technique and effective teaching and learning strategies
Compose and analyse short exercises using a wide range of compositional techniques
Perform exercises that demonstrate awareness of the physical experience associated with movement
Control anxiety and stress in performance
Plan, reflect on and progress their careers as an instrumental or vocal teacher
Critically reflect and articulate the main principles of educational psychology, and various musical pedagogies (such as Kodaly and Dalcroze).

PERFORMANCE PATHWAY STRUCTURE (CertMusPerf)

Module 1a - Principal Study (Performer)
Module 2 - Chamber Music
Module 3 - Performance Electives
Module 5 - Aural Training/Sightsinging
Module 6 - History of Music

Programme Learning Outcomes: Performance Pathway

On successful completion of the Certificate course in Music Teaching and Performance (Performance Pathway) students should be able to

Participate confidently in a wide variety of performing situations from solo instrumental lessons to chamber music and larger ensemble coaching
Communicate a strong artistic vision, supported by a sound technique and effective rehearsal strategies
Work productively as part of a team within a variety of ensemble formats
Identify and describe in detail the major developments of music through study of the musical score and secondary sources
Perform exercises that demonstrate awareness of the physical experience associated with movement
Control anxiety and stress in performance

PERFORMANCE/PEDAGOGY PATHWAY STRUCTURE (CertMusPerfPed)

Module 1a - Principal Study (Performer)
Module 2 or 3 - Chamber Music or Performance Electives
Module 5 - Aural Training/Sightsinging
Module 7b - Principles of Pedagogy (Pedagogy)

Programme Learning Outcomes: Performance/Pedagogy Pathway

On successful completion of the Certificate course in Music Teaching and Performance (Performance/Pedagogy Pathway) students should be able to

Participate confidently in a wide variety of performing situations from solo instrumental lessons to chamber music and larger ensemble coaching
Communicate a strong artistic vision, supported by a sound technique and effective rehearsal strategies
Work productively as part of a team within a variety of ensemble formats
Identify and describe in detail the major developments of music through study of the musical score and secondary sources
Perform exercises that demonstrate awareness of the physical experience associated with movement
Control anxiety and stress in performance
Teach as instrumental/vocal specialists in a variety of settings from conservatoires to the private teaching environment and primary and secondary schools
Plan, reflect on and progress their careers as an instrumental or vocal teacher

Students complete the Certificate course with a Special Purpose Level 7 award of Certificate either in Music Performance, Music Pedagogy or Music Performance and Pedagogy. Alternatively, students can progress to year 2 of the part-time Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance (DipMus).

Keyboard

Tuition 1 hour per week x 30 weeks
Performance Classes approximately 40 hours over year
Self-study 430 hours per year

Instrumental

Individual tuition 1 hour per week x 30 weeks
Accompaniment approximately 10 hours per year
Performance Class approximately 40 hours per Academic Year
Self-study 420 hours per year

Voice

Individual tuition 1 hour per week x 30 weeks
Coaching up to a maximum of 10 hours per year
Self-study 335 hours per year

Individual tuition 20 hours of practical lessons
20 hours of performance class/masterclass

Coaching up to 8 hours per year
Masterclass [attendance and performance] 12 hours over the year
Self-study/group rehearsal approx. 3½ hours per week x 30 weeks

Keyboard/Instrumental

Group rehearsal approximately 2 hours per week x 30 weeks
Self-Study 65 hours over 30 weeks

Vocal

Vocal students must study the following range of performance related electives:

RIAM Chorale
- Preparation of music and text 10 hours
- Attendance at classes 3 hours per week x 2 RIAM Spotlight Performance Weeks in November and February to a total of 30 hours
- 2 hours concert rehearsal x 2 Performances and 2 Performances x 2 hours
Junior Song Class
- Group tuition 1½ hours per weeks x 24 weeks
- Background research, preparation of translations, phonetics and music 10 hours
- Own independent practice and collaboration with a pianist 24 hours
Baroque and Oratorio Class
- Lecture 1½ hours per week x 24 weeks
- Background research, preparation of Text (translations and phonetics) and Music 10 hours
- Independent practice and collaboration with a pianist 12 hours
Phonetics
- Lecture 2 hours x 12 sessions
- Self-study 14 hours

Students are required to attend at least one of the languages over the course of the programme

French diction
German diction
Italian diction

Lecture 1 hour per week x 24 weeks
Self-study 20 hours over 24 weeks

Lecture 1 hour per week x 24 weeks + 2 reading weeks
Self-study 70 hours over 26 weeks

Academic writing & research skills 2 hours x 4 weeks
Lecture 1½ hours per week x 20 weeks + 2 reading weeks
Self-study 87 hours over 26 weeks

30 hours of lectures
15 hours of observation
205 hours of self-directed practice and learning

30 minutes per week of observation of Principal study lesson [15 hours]

12 hours of group practical workshops and lectures
113 hours of self-directed practice and rehearsal

Entry Requirements

The closing date for applications is 21 December 2022.

Auditions are held in January.

You will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces after which there will be a short interview.

You will also take a written theory test and an aural test.

Find out more about minimum requirements: Entry Requirements (Undergraduate)

Find out more about application process: How to apply (Degrees & Programmes)