Classical String Performance MA

University of Limerick

This 2-year MA in Classical String Performance at the University of Limerick is a unique two-year full-time programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass, with a specific focus on Chamber Music.

The aim is to finesse solo, chamber music and orchestral skills, whilst developing a greater awareness of the importance of the body, creativity and all-round musicianship. Students are invited to explore what it is they really want to say with their music, as they prepare to enter the profession.

Face to face teaching has been facilitated this year, in line with all public health guidelines for the MA Classical String Performance programme of study.

The MA is run by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in partnership with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The ICO is renowned all over the world for its vibrant approach to creative chamber music-making and this lies at the heart of the MA programme.

Students receive weekly individual lessons from ICO principals, regular technique classes, weekly chamber music classes and a number of other weekly specialized workshops and sessions.

Specialised tuition is offered in a wide range of performance practice aspects including audition techniques, orchestral excerpts, baroque and contemporary music styles, Dalcross Eurhythmics, self-marketing and performance anxiety. The programme also includes a weekly session with an accompanist, plus intensive coaching weeks on duo sonata repertoire.

In addition to the core skills an eclectic range of elective subjects are offered, including multimedia, improvisation, traditional Irish, gamelan, somatic movement, composition and many more.