The programme specialises in vocal repertoires including Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, as well as a variety of world ritual vocal repertoires. Vocal development is facilitated through one-to-one, weekly vocal classes, as well as master-classes with internationally renowned performers.

The programme is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.

Objectives:

  • To provide a specialist, vocal training in ritual repertoires, particularly Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, contextualised by the study of liturgical history and ritual theory.
  • To develop a research foundation for the interdisciplinary study of music, performance, theology and anthropology of ritual.

Careers

The prime focus of the course is the development of performers so many past students have gone on to develop careers as traditional musicians. However students have used skills acquired through this MA in a number of other fields including education (at primary, post-primary, secondary and tertiary levels), technology, arts management, etc.