Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This unique program offers two specialized pathways for traditional music enthusiasts. Stream 1 focuses on performance and musicianship, allowing instrumentalists and singers to deepen their understanding of the Irish tradition while mastering music technology. A highlight of the second year is the opportunity for students to record and produce their own CD using professional college facilities. Stream 2 is a dedicated Traineeship in Instrument Making, Repair, and Maintenance, delivered in conjunction with Na Piobairí Uilleann. This hands-on stream allows students to craft iconic instruments, including the harp, mandolin, uilleann pipes, whistle, and flute.
Award Year 1: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (General)
Award Year 2: Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development)Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
-
YEAR 1
Music Industry
Professional Development
The Evolution of the Instrument
Applied Music Theory
Performance
Instrumental Technique
Marketing and Promotion for Musicians
Recording Technology - Performance Strand
Or
Mechanical Workshop Practices - Instrument Making Strand
YEAR 2
Creative Research Project
Creative Portfolio
Developing as an Artist
Advanced Performance Skills
Live Arrangement Skills
Regional Styles in Irish Traditional Music
Advanced Music Production - Performance Strand
Or
Work-based Learning (Instrument Making Strand)
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, the performing arts or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Further Research
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Career Progression
Performance | music production | music management | arts administration | festival programming | teaching | field recording | sound engineering.
