The MMusPerf Programme attracts WBP players who have achieved a high level of technical and musical skills in their undergraduate studies. The objectives of this 2 year postgraduate programme are to further develop the student to:
- Perform demanding musical repertoire to a professional standard with technical assurance, confidence and a sense of individual artistry
- Demonstrate critical understanding of the different demands of a range of performance groupings, from solo recital and chamber music to large ensembles, through the assimilation and public performance of a range of demanding musical repertoire
- Demonstrate critical understanding of musical concepts through composition, music technology or academic study clearly and unambiguously
- Critically assess historical research with the intention of enhancing musical interpretation and contributing to the field of learning.
- Demonstrate the ability to engage in the business-related aspects of the life of a professional musician with confidence through course work and assignments
You will have ensemble, chamber music, opera and orchestral performance opportunities. Our weekly performance classes will give you the chance to perform your chosen solo works and you will have time with an accompanist to help to prepare you for performance.
Pillars of Study
The Masters in Music Performance Programme has 5 pillars of study:
- Principal Study
- Chamber Music
- Large Ensemble Work
- Academic Studies
- RIAM Holistic – the Working Musician (optional)
Principal Study
For two hours weekly over thirty weeks, you will receive one-to-one tuition from a teacher recognised for excellence in their field. You will experience masterclasses from internationally recognised performers and prepare for this with a weekly rehearsal with your assigned piano accompanist.
Assessments are designed to ensure that you cover a substantial amount of repertoire across both years and are open to the public.
- Mid-year recital (35 - 40 minutes) taking place in February and open to the public. Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students may nominate an orchestral exam in lieu of the Mid-year recital
- An end-of-year full-length recital (50 minutes)
Candidates must also prepare a major concerto in full to be performed [with piano accompaniment] at an appropriate time during the year.
Chamber Music
MMusPerf students are expected to cover in detail a minimum of 30 minutes of chamber music for a range of ensembles. Typical chamber music works at this level include Mozart Divertimenti, Raff Dectet, Gounod Petite Symphonie and Stravinsky ‘A Soldier’s Tale’. All groups will receive intensive coaching from national and international tutors.
The RIAM Percussion Ensemble is a dedicated group that performs cornerstones of the percussion chamber repertoire under the guidance of Principal Percussion at the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, Richard O’Donnell. This group performs in the USA annually and commissions works from exciting young composers to add to the repertoire for this ensemble type.
Large Ensemble Performance
Throughout the 2 years you will take part as a principal in RIAM Podium, the Centre for Performing Ensembles. WBP students will perform in the following ensembles:
- The RIAM Philharmonia, a sinfonietta orchestra specialising in late 18th century repertoire and cornerstones of the 20th century
- RIAM Wind Ensemble, an un-conducted group
- RIAM Early Music Ensemble, learning the techniques of 17th century by using Baroque instruments
- RIAM Opera Orchestra, which accompanies the RIAM’s fully-staged projects
- RIAM Contemporary Music Ensemble, tackling 20th century and premiering newly written works
RIAM also has professional mentoring agreements for WBP students with the RTE Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra and Irish Baroque Orchestra
Academic Studies
The academic component of the MMusPerf degree adds an intellectual foundation to your practical WBP studies, enriching your playing.
You have the opportunity to explore a specialist academic elective of your own choice: Dissertation, Composition, Music technology, Analysis or Conducting.
This enables you to shape your learning according to the direction you wish to go as a professional – composer/performer; artistic researcher; creator of electro-acoustic installations and much more. You will receive one-to-one supervision and prepare major academic or compositional works.
RIAM Holistic- the Working Musician (optional for all Master students)
The fifth pillar of study is designed to make you a flexible and adaptable artist, ready in mind and body for the demands of a portfolio career in music. MMusPerf students have the option to take the following classes:
- Career Strategy
- Entrepreneurship
- The Principles of Pedagogy
- Music in the Community
- Contemporary Music Collaborations
- Yoga and Feldenkrais
- Performance Psychology
For a more detailed description of the course requirements, please refer to the MMus course handbook
