Bachlor Mus Perf (Strings)

An Introduction from Head of Strings and Chamber Music, Sarah Sew

The RIAM combines traditional values of fundamental technical excellence with a modern and holistic approach to learning. In every aspect of the course students are encouraged to study in depth, connecting all areas of learning, both academic and practical.

Through the generous 2 hours of one-to-one lessons per week, students have the space to concentrate on both technique and repertoire, and develop a rapport with their principal study teacher. In addition to this, students also have access to visiting artists in masterclasses, multiple chamber music coaches, performance class tutors, accompanists and sectional tutors, which include principal players from Ireland's professional orchestras.

The BMus offers string players a wide range of performance classes, such as orchestral excerpts classes, audition workshops, historical performance classes, contemporary techniques and performance training. In these classes, students refine their practical performance skills, cultivate a breadth of knowledge and develop critical listening skills.

Chamber music is at the heart of music making and all string players are placed in a string quartet or piano trio. Groups are mentored by designated chamber music coaches and through coaching sessions, independent rehearsals, workshops and masterclasses, these groups mature and develop.

Through an exciting programme of concert opportunities, internal and external, published in our events calendar, students build up their performing experience.

My ambition is for each string player to grow through their four years of study into an innovative artist able to communicate his or her own genuine ideas, and to graduate from the RIAM with passion to work hard and a conviction to find meaning.

Sarah Sew

[email protected]

Photo: Colm Hogan

Accredited by Trinity College, the University of Dublin, the RIAM BMusPerf is a four-year degree. Each study year has 30 weeks in total from September to June: 24 academic teaching weeks and 6 performance spotlight weeks. There are no academic classes during performance spotlight weeks, but practical lessons continue across all weeks.

The Strings Faculty focuses on the three main areas of performance: solo, orchestral and chamber music. This is combined with supporting academic studies and RIAM Holistic modules to allow students to develop into a complete musician.

Solo Performance

The course is designed to balance the forming of a sound technique, the exploration of repertoire and the development of each student's own artistic personality.

With 2 hours of one-to-one lessons per week, students have the space to work in depth with their principal study teacher. Mid-year technical exams focus on technical preparation and students are encouraged to explore creative programming whilst still covering core repertoire in their public end-of-year recital exams. The progression through the four years of the BMusPerf culminates in a complete concerto performance and full-length public final recital.

Competitions, such as the Maura Dowdall Award, promote not only experience in competitive solo performance, but also offer the winner the exceptional opportunity of a solo engagement with the RT‰ National Symphony Orchestra.

In our wide range of string performance classes, students develop stage presence and build up their mental performance strength. Additional classes include historical performance, audition training and contemporary techniques. In performance class, students develop critical listening skills, learning to give constructive feedback based on their ever-growing breadth of knowledge. Students build their own musical personalities, form individual tastes and opinions whilst maintaining an openness to the many different interpretations that can be effective.

Following on from the introductory historical performance classes, students have the option to take second study historical performance. These students have additional one-to-one lessons with a baroque specialist and also have priority to perform in RIAM Early Music Ensemble.

The RIAM Strings Faculty has two International Visiting Artists, Daniel Rowland (violin) and Xuefei Yang (guitar) and these artists along with other high profile artists give regular masterclasses. Recent artist visits include Natalie Clein (cello); Gareth Knox (viola); Mauricio Fuks (violin); Hannah Roberts (cello); David Daly (bass) and Alban Gerhart (cello).

Orchestral Performance

Throughout the four years of the BMusPerf students take part in RIAM Podium, the Centre for Performing Ensembles. String students perform in the following ensembles:

RIAM Philharmonia, a sinfonietta orchestra performing with world-renowned guest conductors

RIAM Chamber Orchestra, an un-conducted string group

RIAM Early Music Ensemble, exploring historically informed techniques and period performance through the use of Baroque instruments and bows

RIAM Opera Orchestra, performing in fully-staged opera productions

RIAM Contemporary Music Ensemble, tackling modern and newly written works

Orchestral training is project-based, emulating the professional music world. RIAM Philharmonia projects begin with intensive sectionals, build up to tutti rehearsals and culminate in a high profile concert with a world-renowned conductor. Sectional tutors include principal players from the RT‰ National Symphony Orchestra, RT‰ Concert Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra. Recent guest conductors include Gerhard Markson, Jonas Alber, Kenneth Montgomery and Atso Almila.

Specialised orchestral excerpts classes and audition-training workshops allow students to develop the skills necessary to gain professional orchestral work. In Year 3 of the BMusPerf, students undertake an orchestral exam, focussing in on these audition-training skills in preparation for the orchestral profession.

RIAM has mentoring agreements with the RT‰ National Symphony Orchestra, RT‰ Concert Orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra and students are selected from internal and external auditions for these opportunities. Selected students experience a real life professional setting, sitting in with these orchestras and playing alongside professional orchestral players.

Chamber Music

Chamber music is central to developing both listening and communication skills. All string players are placed in a string quartet or piano trio. Groups rehearse both independently and also with a designated chamber music coach. Many students are also placed in duo sonata partnerships with pianists. Students are actively encouraged to also form their own chamber groups, with additional coaching on offer to self-formed groups.

We aim for chamber groups to work together over a long-term period, to develop lasting musical partnerships that can continue into the profession. Regular visits from a variety of internationally renowned chamber musicians allow RIAM chamber groups to receive both additional private coaching and chamber music masterclasses. Recent visitors include the Navarra Quartet (UK/Netherlands) and members of both Trio Gaspard (Germany) and the Van Baerle Trio (Netherlands).

There are multiple concert opportunities for chamber music groups in the well-attended 11.11 Coffee Morning Concert Series. We partner with organisations throughout the island of Ireland to offer performance opportunities to our outstanding chamber groups. In 2018/19, RIAM string quartets and piano trios were selected to participate in masterclasses at the National Concert Hall (Emerson Quartet), Belfast International Festival of Chamber Music and West Cork Chamber Music Festival. In addition, large-scale chamber music such as string sextets and octets are also programmed in special side-by-side projects, where advanced students play alongside professionals in venues such as the National Gallery of Ireland.

Supporting Academic Studies

The academic component of the degree adds an intellectual foundation to practical instrumental studies, increasing each student's depth and breadth of knowledge.

In Years 1 to 3, students study a number of core modules: Harmony and Counterpoint, Aural training, Analysis and History. There are also shorter modules in Music Technology, Instrumental Pedagogy, and Free Composition.

In Year 4 there is the opportunity to explore a specialist own choice elective: Dissertation, Composition, Music Technology, Analysis or Conducting.

RIAM Holistic the working musician

RIAM Holistic modules are designed to develop students into flexible and adaptable artists, ready in mind and body for the demands of a career in music. Students study:

Career Strategy

Entrepreneurship

The Principles of Pedagogy

Music in the Community

Contemporary Music Collaborations

Yoga

Performance Psychology

For a more detailed description of the course requirements, please refer to our course handbook.

Your application for RIAM undergraduate and postgraduate will consist of:

1. Online application
2. Audition & Interview
   • Submission of recorded performance & written theory test online
   • Online interview and ear tests