Anyone studying music in TCD?

JamesGranahan

Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone here is studying music in the college? I am applying for the undergraduate music course for next year and I would love to get the opinions of some students on the course.

Thanks in advance,

James

Jammyc

JamesGranahan wrote: »

Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone here is studying music in the college? I am applying for the undergraduate music course for next year and I would love to get the opinions of some students on the course.

Thanks in advance,

James

Heard its tough, the entrance exam is supposed to be a bitch.
Best of luck though.
2 euro...

kawaii

Yo I'm a second year single honour music student. The course is really enjoyable, particular if you have a strong interest in what you're studying. Some really great lecturers and it's quite a small department so there is quite a relaxed atmosphere.

If you've any questions just ask away.

JamesGranahan

kawaii wrote: »

Yo I'm a second year single honour music student. The course is really enjoyable, particular if you have a strong interest in what you're studying. Some really great lecturers and it's quite a small department so there is quite a relaxed atmosphere.

If you've any questions just ask away.

Thanks kawaii! I have huge interest in the subject and although theres other music courses out there, I'm really eager to get into TCD. It seems like the best course and I've heard that the college is a great place too. What area of music have you chosen to specialise in? Do you enjoy it?

kawaii

JamesGranahan wrote: »

Thanks kawaii! I have huge interest in the subject and although theres other music courses out there, I'm really eager to get into TCD. It seems like the best course and I've heard that the college is a great place too. What area of music have you chosen to specialise in? Do you enjoy it?

Well going into second year you get a choice between music technology, composition and musicology. You can only pick one but you can audit in the other courses aswell. I chose composition and am auditing in music technology.

Composition is a fantastic module. The lecturer we have this year is really interesting and enthusiastic which is good.

The course puts more of an emphasis on music theory and history than on performance. There is, however, an emphasis on aural training which is great.

JamesGranahan

kawaii wrote: »

Well going into second year you get a choice between music technology, composition and musicology. You can only pick one but you can audit in the other courses aswell. I chose composition and am auditing in music technology.

Composition is a fantastic module. The lecturer we have this year is really interesting and enthusiastic which is good.

The course puts more of an emphasis on music theory and history than on performance. There is, however, an emphasis on aural training which is great.

That sounds really good. Composition is my main interest and that's what I would be hoping to specialise in also. What kinds of things would you cover in the composition modules?

kawaii

A lot of it would be actually thinking about what you composing, like what your music is for and that kind of thing which is good as it can be applied to any kind of music really. Also there is stuff like form and how to give a piece coherence and identity.

Highly recommended!

JamesGranahan

Yeh, i have to say I think it sounds like a really good course! Thanks a million for all the info Kawaii! Hopefully I'll see around the college next year! Cheers!

kawaii

Ya! Good luck with your entrance exams and interview. They're not as bad as some people make them out to be. I certainly didn't prepare for them in any way...

Have fun with your leaving cert (assuming you're not a mature student)!

UncleBen

Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone here is studying music in the college? I am applying for the undergraduate music course for next year and I would love to get the opinions of some students on the course.

It's a very enjoyable course alright. The lecturers are all extremely competent and interested in what they're teaching and you get to know them personnally, have lunch with them etc. as the classes are a nice size, (15 in mine).

If your interested in composition it's a good bet as a lot of established composers visit and give talks through the year and they're happy to answer as many questions as you like, even help you network a little. There's also a resident ensemble that takes scores once or twice a year to get your work performed, which is fantastic.

Some major disadvantages!:

-There's very little hours a week and the time table is frustrating! For instance, coming in from 9am-10am then 4pm-6pm would be quite normal, as would coming in for just one hour from 4pm-5pm.

-There's a massive emphasis on attendence and if you miss 3 lectures of a certain subject you'll fail the term. Fail two terms and you'll fail the year.

-They've increased class size dramtically. I think there may be more 1st years now than 2nd, 3rd and 4th combined.

-Virtually no practical elements. There's some basic keyboard training, and a figured-bass module/performance module in the final years. But there's no instrumental tuition.

-Career prospects. According to the career guidance counselor, discluding those who did a postgrad, most graduates seem to be involved in van ownership/retail. wtf?!

-By 3rd year a lot of people feel they've learnt all they can from the course and want out!

Have a think anyway, why not email the department and ask if you can shadow some students for the day?