For many senior cycle students, Music is a subject they would love to take for Leaving Certificate, but it does not always fit neatly into the school timetable.
Some schools do not offer Leaving Cert Music. Other students may already have a full subject load in school, but still want to include Music because it reflects their strengths, interests or future ambitions. Some students also choose to take an external Leaving Cert Music class as additional support alongside studying Music in school. The course is suitable for students who wish to study Leaving Cert Music outside their own school timetable, as well as students looking for a structured grind-style class to support their school-based learning.
RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course is designed for students who want specialist support with the written components of the current Leaving Cert Music course, including listening and composition.
Who is RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course for?
RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course is suitable for:
- Students entering 5th year in September 2026 who wish to take Leaving Cert Music externally
- Pupils whose school does not offer Leaving Cert Music
- Students whose subject blocks do not allow them to take Music in school
- Students already studying Music in school who want additional specialist support
- Young musicians who want structured preparation for the written listening and composition papers
What does the RIAM course cover?
RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course focuses on the written components of the current Leaving Cert Music syllabus, specifically listening and composition.
The course does not include preparation for the performance/practical examination. Students should manage their practical preparation separately with their vocal or instrumental teacher, either in school or externally.
Listening
Students prepare for the listening paper, including set works, Irish music and general listening. Classes help students develop the musical vocabulary, aural awareness and confidence needed to respond clearly in the written examination.
Composition
Students receive guidance in composition techniques and exam-style questions. This includes support in developing musical ideas, understanding structure and approaching melody and harmony tasks with confidence.
Exam skills
The course includes past paper practice, timing, exam strategies and written feedback. Students are supported to understand the demands of the written papers and to build confidence across the two-year senior cycle.
What is not included?
To help families plan properly, it is important to note that RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course does not include:
- Practical performance preparation
- Instrumental or vocal coaching
- Ensemble preparation
- Music technology preparation
Practical performance is a separate element of Leaving Cert Music and accounts for 50% of the current assessment. This is usually prepared with the student’s own instrumental or vocal teacher.
Music technology is an option within the practical element and can account for 25% of the practical mark, but it is not part of RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course. RIAM offers a separate one-day online Music Technology course, usually held live on Zoom before the practical exams in March each year. Places are limited to 20.
Course details
Course duration: Two years, 30 weeks per academic year
Class duration: 90 minutes
Fee: €1,150 for the academic year starting September 2026
Delivery: Online
Start date: September 2026
Teacher: Kim Fallen Bailey, Leaving Cert Music specialist
Course places are limited so that students can receive personal attention and feedback.
Do students need to take individual lessons at RIAM?
No. Students do not need to be enrolled in RIAM individual lessons or choirs to take the Leaving Cert Music course.
Students preparing for the practical element should work with their own instrumental or vocal teacher. This may be a teacher in school, a private teacher, or a RIAM teacher if the student already studies at RIAM.
How to apply
Applications are open for RIAM’s Leaving Cert Music course beginning in September 2026.
This course is for students entering 5th year in September 2026 and preparing to sit the current Leaving Cert Music syllabus.
Places are limited, so early application is recommended.