Master of Arts in Classical String Performance in association with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
This unique 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.
Study places with possible scholarship still available for Cello and other string instruments
A two-year full-time programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass.
A two-year full-time programme offering advanced tuition in violin, viola, cello and double bass.
Applications are now open for the 2024/25 Academic Year & study places, especially for cello, and all other string instruments are still available. A limited amount of scholarship money is also on offer.
The programme is led by Principal players of the Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) who tutor, rehearse and perform with the students.
Students have opportunities to receive orchestral training, mentorship and perform in chamber ensembles with ICO members.
For further information, please contact the acting Course Director, André Swanepoel (andre.swanepoel@ul.ie).
Students are offered weekly specialised workshops & sessions such as
| Principal players of ICO rehearse, tutor and perform with the students. | Weekly 90-minute individual lessons | Weekly Chamber Music classes | Regular performance skills classes | |||
| Dalcroze Eurhythmics | Creative embodied performance development | Baroque and contemporary music | Body Mapping | |||
| Orchestral excerpts lessons | Improvisation lessons | Large Ensemble lessons | Audition techniques |
Violin Faculty
Violin Faculty
André Swanepoel
Principal 2nd Violin Irish Chamber Orchestra
Viola Faculty
Viola Faculty
Joachim Roewer
Principal Viola Irish Chamber Orchestra
Cello Faculty
Cello Faculty
Aoife Nic Athlaoich
Principal Cello Irish Chamber Orchestra
Double Bass Faculty
Double Bass Faculty
Malachy Robinson
Principal Double Bass Irish Chamber Orchestra
Our graduates are employed as professional musicians, soloists, chamber musicians or as members of professional orchestras and ensembles
including the Irish Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RTE Concert Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Con Tempo Quartet, Stradivari Quartet, Kuala Lumpur Symphony Orchestra, Concerto Malaga, Gyor Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse and Prague Chamber Orchestra.
Many graduates are in teaching positions up to third level in their respective countries while others are pursuing further studies or completing their doctorates.
We each receive a lot of individual attention. We are then able to concentrate on whatever areas we feel are most in need of improvement.
I’ve really enjoyed my time on the course and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next. Working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra so closely has been inspiring and an amazing opportunity I will never forget.
When I did the MA Classical String Performance, I was involved in many collaborative projects including live performances with dancers, filming and recording sessions and it was an amazing experience. The facilities and atmosphere at the Academy make it easy to embody your ideas in a creative practice. Currently, I am doing a PhD at the Royal Holloway, University of London and studying at the inspiring Irish World Academy was a brilliant platform for my doctoral research.
