Bachelor of Arts in Voice Course content
Key information
You will focus and advance your vocal performance practice through individual voice lessons combined with group performance, ensemble and musicianship classes. Vocalists engaged in this course at the Irish World Academy will explore a range of vocal styles and traditions. Students enter the programme from popular (CCM), music theatre/stage school, singer/songwriter, folk, sacred or choral backgrounds (among others). You will find that the core aspects of the programme will support your development across multiple styles, broadening your singing and developing functional awareness of your instrument.
Throughout the programme you will develop key academic skills through contextual modules in areas related to your practice. First year students critically engage with classical, popular, traditional and world music and dance in academic modules shared with students on other undergraduate programmes (BA Irish Music, BA Contemporary Dance, BA Irish Dance, BA World Music). From second year, you will undertake specialist modules in vocal pedagogy and voice studies. Core modules will be taken by all students in areas such as music education and community music; arts and health; ethnomusicology and research skills; performing arts technology and professional skills for performing artists. The Academy has an unparalleled team of faculty and tutors who guide and facilitate the growth of students as vocal performers and academics.
Electives
In addition to their core modules, each year students choose from a large number of elective modules in dance and music, and other subjects outside of the performing arts. These elective modules offer students the opportunity to enhance their educational experience, and broaden their artistic and academic horizons. Elective options vary from year to year but typically students can choose from range of vocal and instrumental ensembles (from Academy choir to Irish traditional music ensemble), songwriting classes, lectures in country music, courses in choreography, North American percussive dance, Irish folklore and history, and various languages, including Irish.
Semester 1
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4101 | Performance 1A |
| MD4091 | Irish World Academy Practicum C1 |
| MU4001 | Critical Encounters with Irish Music and Dance |
| MU4011 | Critical Encounters with World Music and Dance |
Semester 2
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4102 | Performance 2A |
| MD4111 | Irish World Academy Practicum C2 |
| MU4012 | Critical Encounters with Western Art Music and Dance |
| MU4002 | Critical Encounters with Popular Music and Dance |
Semester 3
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4103 | Performance 3A |
| MD4092 | Irish World Academy Practicum C3 |
| MU4023 | Voice Studies: Historical and Cross Cultural Perspectives |
| MD4113 | Performing Arts Technology |
Semester 4
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4124 | Performance 4A |
| MD4112 | Irish World Academy Practicum C4 |
| MU4043 | Vocal Pedagogy |
| MD4034 | Contextualising and Vocational Studies - Music and Dance Education/ Community Music and Dance |
Semester 5
Cooperative Education
In their 3rd year, Irish World Academy performing arts students go on ‘co-op’, a university-wide module specifically designed for undergraduates to engage in real-world, professional environments. The Cooperative Education division, in consultation with the Academy, helps students to identify working opportunities in a variety of contexts, including arts management, education, performance, media and related fields. Students are encouraged to set up their own six-month placements or to engage in split placements (ideally no more than two placements) in order to explore if their expectations for future careers match the experiences they have during the co-op period. Faculty visits, pre- and post- co-op assessment skills, and final report help students to reflect upon the process, enabling them to critically evaluate their time off campus
Semester 6
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4106 | Performance 5A |
| MD4116 | Irish World Academy Practicum C5 |
| MU4106 | Arts and Health |
| MU4013 | Research Skills: Ethnomusicology/ Ethnochoreology/ Arts Practice |
Semester 6
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4137 | Performance 6A |
| MD4147 | Irish World Academy Practicum C6 |
| MD4157 | Irish World Academy Final Year Project 1 |
| MU4007 | Professional Skills for the Performing Arts |
Semester 7
| Module code | Module title |
|---|---|
| MD4118 | Performance 7A |
| MD4128 | Irish World Academy Practicum C7 |
| MD4138 | Irish World Academy Final Year Project 2 |
| MU4004 | Materials and Context for Vocal Performance |
Can a complete beginner do this course?
You need to have some vocal performance experience before embarking on this course.
What teachers will I have?
Students are taught by highly accomplished vocalists and musicians with extensive teaching and performance experience. Tutors on the BA Voice have varied professional backgrounds in musical theatre, contemporary commercial music, choral facilitation, community music, music education etc.
Will I get the chance to do work experience in an area that I am interested in?
Yes, each student has the opportunity to gain work experience in their area of interest in semester 5 during their Co-operative Education placement, i.e. semester 1 of 3rd year.
Will I get the chance to study abroad?
Yes. Each student is given the option of studying at a number of institutions around the world for semester 6, i.e.semester 2 of 3rd year.
Is this solely a performance programme?
No, you will also engage in academic classes. Performance and academic studies are equally important. This gives you more career opportunities upon completing the course.
What does the audition consist of?
Auditions normally take place at the beginning of April or in mid-July for late applicants and ‘change-of-mind’ applications, although the Academy is flexible if applicants have difficulty with these dates. In auditions students should show a good standard of vocal performance. The audition itself takes the form of a solo performance of two contrasting songs (any style/genre).
The interview is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself and your career interests, and outline any relevant performance experience/skills.
Do I need to have formal examinations in music or singing for entry to the course?
No. Any relevant examinations, theory knowledge or instrumental skill will support your application but the audition and interview process provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your proficiency and skill set.
Your Future Career - What can I do after this course?
This programme prepares you for many different career paths, including professional performance, performing arts facilitation, postgraduate studies, work in cultural institutions, media-related positions, archival work, performance production, and portfolio careers where you can combine the professional skills learned on this programme.
