Course Code

TR002

Duration

4 years

Description

The Single Honor course provides a thorough grounding in the basic skills of musicianship and academic study. The incremental nature of the course, with each successive year building on the achievements of the previous years, means that graduates from this course are highly qualified. Most graduates work in music and related areas. For example, many of Ireland's most successful composers have studied in TCD; and the areas in which recent graduates are working include the following: instrumental and vocal performance, conducting, arts administration, sound design and engineering, composition for theatre, film and television, teaching. In addition, the department has an excellent record of students going on to study at postgraduate level, in Ireland and abroad, and of students who have obtained university posts in Europe and North America.

In the Freshman years (years 1 & 2), students receive a thorough grounding in the main areas of general musicianship, and the areas in which they will specialise in later years. The first year offers courses in Aural Training & Keyboard Skills, Harmony, Counterpoint, History of Music, Music Analysis, and Music Technology. Some of these, such as History of Music are formal lectures; and some, such Aural Training & Keyboard Skills, are taught in small groups. This allows students to receive a level of individual attention that most institutions cannot offer in the early years of a course.

In the Senior Freshman year (year 2) students begin to explore specialisations in one of three areas: Musicology (the historical and analytical study of music), Music Technology, and Composition. The final choice of specialisation is made at the end of that year. In addition, and in line with college regulations, all students will take a course from the College's Broad Curriculum programme.

In the Sophister years (years 3 & 4), at least one third of a student's curriculum is devoted to their area of specialisation, and most of the teaching is in small groups. In the final year, each student, under the individual guidance of a member of staff, produces a major piece of work in their area of specialisation. Students specialising in musicology write a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words; music technologists undertake a project; composers present a portfolio of works. Additionally, a range of electives is offered in all three areas, and students may choose to take electives outside their specialisation. All students may participate in practical musicianship electives for up to 25% of their marks: a recital, Aural Training, and Keyboard Skills (continuo playing).

Fees

Please check the Treasurers office for the summary of undergraduate degree fees.

Application

Applications should be made through:

The Irish Central Applications Office (C.A.O.) by January of the year of proposed entry. Entry is by an entrance test (usually at the end of March), a formal interview (usually in late April/early May) and academic competition (the points system).

The 2013 entrance tests will take place on Saturday 23rd March. All candidates will be notified of the time and place in early March. For sample entrance test papers, click on the following link: 2011 Sample Papers.

Overseas students who wish to come to Trinity College for one year or more should contact:

The International Office, East Theatre, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland; Phone: +353 (0)1 896 3150; Fax: +353 (0)1 677 1698; E-mail: international@tcd.ie

Assessment

Assessment is by written examinations, essays, practical tests, and individual projects.