Music & Dance courses

About MA Music Composition in National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Description

The MA Composition at Maynooth University provides a supportive yet stimulating environment in which to develop your individual compositional style. The focus of the course is the creation of a professional portfolio of compositions, supported by regular one-to-one tuition from the experienced composers in the Department of Music. Core modules in contemporary compositional technique and the study of works and writings of other composers help broaden your compositional focus and allow you to develop your own voice in the exciting world of contemporary music. These activities are complimented by regular talks and consultations with visiting professional composers and opportunities for performance of your works by visiting performers and student ensembles.

Course Structure

A portfolio of compositions supported by modules in contemporary compositional techniques, contemporary aesthetics and a range of options from the MA in Creative Music Technologies (e.g. electroacoustic composition).

Career Options

Recent graduates have gone on to enjoy successful careers as composer (for media and art-music), arranger, performer/improviser, music copyist, essayist/critic, and in fields such as arts management and broadcasting amongst others. The skills developed in the MA in Composition are transferable to many diverse areas of employment beyond the creative industries, including primary, secondary and third-level education, research based careers (e.g. research and consultative work, not only in the arts but also general public sector organisations), and administrative or managerial roles. 

For example, non-arts-based companies also look for creative, independent employees and their particular skillset. Key skills are developed throughout the course, such as:

• Identifying, analysing and solving problems;
• Prioritising tasks, coping with complexity, setting achievable goals and taking action;
• Working independently and as a team;
• Communicating (both orally and in writing);
• Demonstrating confidence and motivation to start and finish the job, adaptability/flexibility, creativity, initiative, leadership, decision-making, negotiating and the ability to cope with stress;
• Applying and exploiting information technology;
• Demonstrating critical evaluation of the outcomes of the professional practice;
• Reflecting on and evaluate one's own practice

Postgraduate options - The MA in Composition also prepares students for doctoral study in composition. 

Academic qualification equivalents

• A baccalaureate degree from a recognized degree granting institution

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS   :    6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill
• TOEFL :    95 overall with a minimum of 23 in writing and 20 in each of the other skills
• PTE      :    62 overall with a minimum of 59 in each communicative skill

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