COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Music and Dance is a four-year program designed to develop students’ performance, academic, and vocational skills in music and dance, with a strong focus on traditional, popular, and global practices. Students receive training from experienced performers through both solo and ensemble work, while also being encouraged to develop additional performance skills to increase versatility. Alongside performance training, the program includes vocational learning such as recording CDs and videos, using digital media, writing business plans, and organising tours and performances. Academic study forms a key part of the degree, covering areas such as ethnomusicology, ethnochoreology, music and dance psychology, education, and the history of Western and Irish traditions. Students also explore wider cultural, social, and historical contexts through Irish cultural studies. The program includes a cooperative education placement that provides practical work experience and a study abroad opportunity to broaden international exposure. Over the course of the degree, students study modules ranging from critical encounters with Irish, Western, and world music and dance to research skills and professional development. By combining practical performance, academic study, and real-world vocational training, the program prepares graduates for careers in performance, education, arts management, and the wider cultural and creative industries.