BA Music Joint Honours

at Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin

First and second years

First year

Aural Training, History of Music, Introduction to Harmony, Introduction to Music Analysis, Keyboard Skills, Rudiments and Counterpoint, Style and Presentation, Music Technology, Instrumentation

Second year

Continuation of subjects from first year, and the beginning of the exploration of up to two specialisms – Composition, Musicology, or Music Technology. Single Honours students will also select a Trinity Elective or a new Minor Subject.

Third and fourth years
Concentrated study in chosen specialisations, with possible electives from other specialisations. Students can present a recital.

Recent options have included: Advanced Theory Clinic, Counterpoint and Fugue for Three Voices, Advanced Harmony (Sonata Forms), Intersectionality and the Role of Women in Electronic music, Experimental Music Theatre & New Opera, Writing for voice(s), Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques, Philosophy of Music, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Opera and Gender, Audiovisual culture, Performance Research Lab, Sound Art, Fundamentals of Choral Conducting, Recital, Csound, Heavy Metal, An Introduction to Debussy’s World and Music, History and Aesthetics of Recording, The Hollywood Musical from The Jazz Singer (1927) to Sweet Charity (1969), RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall, Irish Traditional Music. Capstone projects take the form of, respectively, a portfolio of compositions, a major technology project, or a dissertation.

Though desirable, formal musical training is not a prerequisite for entry, but candidates should have a good ear and the ability to read and notate music to a rudimentary level. The most important musical qualification is a good ear.

The fees for BA Music Joint Honours may vary from €10,000 to €25,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

The employment record for Trinity’s graduates in Music is excellent. Recent alumni have established successful careers as composers, music producers (for television, radio, or recording companies), performers, conductors, administrators, teachers, and academics in institutions worldwide. Several recent graduates have been commissioned by organisations such as RTÉ. Trinity Music students have an outstanding record of obtaining scholarships for further study abroad as well as from the Arts Council of Ireland. Some have used the analytical and intellectual skills that a Music degree offers to build successful careers in medicine, law, financial investment, and public relations.