Master of Arts in Classical String Performance in association with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and the Irish Chamber Orchestra

At the heart of the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s vision is a passionate commitment to developing the next generation of creative classical musicians in Ireland and beyond.

Since 2015, the ICO’s involvement has been a cornerstone of the MA in Classical String Performance at the University of Limerick, a unique two-year full-time programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass. Focusing on musicianship and chamber music skills, the MA encourages students to develop their individual voices, discovering what it is they have to say and how to express it most powerfully. Students experiment with a range of art forms, drawing on theatre and movement techniques to help bring their music to life.

Our outstanding musicians, all experts in their field, deliver individual lessons, technique classes and chamber music classes, including sessions in orchestral excerpts, sight-reading, dalcroze, traditional and world music. Students are given opportunities to perform in chamber ensembles with members of the ICO, and automatically qualify for a place on the twice yearly Irish Chamber Orchestra Academy project.

Applications are now open for MA Classical Strings course, commencing September 2022.

The course offers online and in-person auditions regularly throughout the year. Please contact the course director directly to enquire if spaces are still available and when the next auditions will be held. Diane.daly@ul.ie

Late applications may be considered depending on place availability.

Want to read more information and find out how to apply for a place?

Latest News

Irish Chamber Orchestra has announced a scholarship fund for talented students on the MA Classical String Performance at University of Limerick. ICO has committed to providing 8k per annum for the next five years.  These scholarships, awarded on merit, will assist with student college fees for one year.

This year’s scholarship fund has been awarded to two students, Jeannette Bogado from Paraguay, and Anna Mária Miklós from Hungary.   This new ICO fund is in addition to the existing Lyric FM scholarship (valued at 8k) which was established in 1999.

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