MA Classical String Performance

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

This unique 2-year Masters course focuses on the needs of the individual student, and is aimed at gifted string players as the final step towards a professional career. Refining solo, chamber music, orchestral skills and audition preparation whilst developing a greater awareness of the importance of the body, creativity and all-round musicianship, students are encouraged to explore their own ‘personal path’ towards realising their full musical potential.

The programme is led by Principal players of the Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) who rehearse, tutor and perform with the students. Students receive weekly 90-minute individual lessons including technique, orchestral excerpts and performance skills classes, combined with weekly intensive chamber music, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, creative embodied performance development, improvisation, new music, baroque, and other real-life requirements.

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.

This year's ICO Academy will take place from 11 - 13 March 2026 and culminates in a lunchtime performance in St Mary's Cathedral on 13 March at 1.15pm. The programme will provisionally include works by Strauss, Mendelssohn & Roosenschoon.

This 3-day intensive course welcomes Irish & international 3rd level string students to play alongside & receive mentoring from ICO Principal players - refining chamber music- and ensemble skills, & promoting body-awareness through Body Mapping.

Former MA students have gone on to become members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.