Please fill out the form below to register your audition details:
Audition
Applicants can still add SE206 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music to their CAO choices after the standard February 1st CAO deadline. Applicants will be contacted before the end of March with instructions.
If you do not receive details about these alternative arrangements, please email [email protected]
The audition process
What is the BA (Hons) in Music course?
The BA (Hons) in Music is a four year full-time degree which aims to give the student a well-rounded third level music education. The course offers a balance between practical and theoretical modules within the context of the principal music genres (classical, Irish traditional, jazz and popular). This diversity will serve the student well both in the current job market and in pursuing postgraduate study opportunities.
BA (Hons) in Music course special features
The BA (Hons) in Music offers a unique opportunity to embrace the classical, Irish traditional or jazz and popular music genres. The balance between academic and practical music subjects is very desirable in the current job market, and the opportunity to specialise in Year 4 allows the student to focus on their strengths.
Instruments
Should you be offered and accept a place on SE206, tuition will be provided in the instruments listed in the attached document titled SE206 - Instrument Listing. You will be required to specialise in one of these instruments.
Year 2, 3 & 4
Music History
There is a wide range of history options; some examples include ethnomusicology, baroque, popular music since 1950, Irish contemporary music, traditional Irish music and the Beebop era.
Technical Subjects
In addition students also study technical subjects such as:
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Music Technology
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Digital, Audio & Acoustics
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Advanced Recording Techniques
Ensembles
Students take part in a weekly large performance group (Jazz, Chamber Choir, Guitar, Irish Traditional and Orchestra).
Major & Minor
In Year 4, students can choose a major and a minor in the following subjects:
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Composition
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Dissertation
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Performance
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Advanced Music Technology
The delivery of electives will depend on the demand and resources available.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Aural Skills 1 | Music History 2: Popular Music |
| Critical Thinking & Writing Skills | Music Research Methodologies |
| Music History 1 - The History of Early Music to the Baroque | Music Technology 2 |
| Music Technology 1 | Musicianship 1: Vocal & Irish Traditional Music Skills |
| Performance 1 | Performance 2 |
| Rudiments of Music 1 | Rudiments of Music 2 |
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Professional Development for Musicians | Composition and Analysis 1 |
| Aural Skills 2 | Music History 4 - Irish Traditional Music and Ethnomusicology |
| Composition and Orchestration 1 | Music Technology 4 |
| Music History 3-Classical and Romantic | Musicianship 2: Keyboard Skills & Fretboard Skills |
| Music Technology 3 | Performance 4 |
| Performance 3 | Elective options |
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Aural Skills 3 | Composition and Analysis 2 |
| Composition and Orchestration 2 | Community Connect |
| Music History 5 - The History of 20th Century & Contemporary Music | Music History 6 – The History of Jazz |
| Music Pedagogy | Musicianship 3: Improvisation and Conducting |
| Performance 5 | Performance 6 |
| Recording Techniques | Sound Synthesis and Sampling |
Year 4
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Choose two of the following electives: | Choose two of the following electives: |
| Music History | Music History |
| *Composition | *Composition |
| *Research | *Research |
| *Performance | *Performance |
| *Music Technology | *Music Technology |
| * = Elective | * = Elective |
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Music
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Audition/Interview
Additional Requirements for BA (Hons) in Music:
- All applicants must submit an audition video to show a performance standard achievement with a musical instrument/voice equivalent to grade 5 of a recognised music examining body
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Music:
BA (Hons) in Music career opportunities
A degree in music is a valuable asset for access to many other careers. In particular, music graduates are sought after in professions which demand a high level of personal confidence, communication skills and expressive ability. Graduates of the course have found employment in:
- Higher Education
- Music Therapy
- Music Technology and Sound Engineering
- Performing
- Multi Media Composing and Arranging
- Arts Management
Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Music graduates
Many graduates continue with one of our postgraduate MA & PhD programmes, or there Professional Master of Education or Masters programmes in relevant areas. Graduates can also apply for a place on our taught MA in Arts and Heritage Management. Postgraduate opportunities in music at SETU Waterford include:
- MA in Music Performance
- MA in Musicology
- MA in Composition
- PhD in Musicology
- PhD in Composition
Music Auditions 2026
All students who have applied for the BA (Hons) in Music at SETU Waterford and hope to gain entrance to the programme must submit an audition video. For more information contact Ms Bridget Knowles (email: [email protected]).
