UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK - Music

XV. PERFORMANCE MATTERS
NUI Maynooth Music Department Undergraduate Handbook 2009-2010
1. Performance Strand Tuition
Where appropriate, eligible students take first-study instrumental/vocal lessons or
Group Piano tuition from fully-qualified tutors approved by the Department. Lessons
are provided for eligible students studying approved instruments/voice only. The
Department arranges for a number of tutors to give lessons on campus.
A portion of the annual degree course fee for qualified and eligible BMus and BA(Hons)
students may be assigned to instrumental/vocal tuition. Instrumental tuition fees are
paid only to teachers who complete appropriate forms available from the Department’s
Office. Students taking lessons at DIT or the RIAM will be reimbursed fees to a
maximum sum of €740 on production of an official receipt from the institution.
Students are required to ensure that they follow the regulations and requirements given
in current Performance Strand documentation. Full details of the Performance Strand
modules and related regulations are published separately in module guides which are
available on Moodle and from Dr Cascelli.
2. Practice Rooms
Our practice rooms, available for use in semester time only, contain valuable
equipment and are monitored by cctv cameras. The swipe card system in place means
that usage is tracked. The rooms are available for use by registered music students
only. Rooms may be booked according to the official booking system. Food and drink
are strictly forbidden in practice rooms. Anyone found breaking these rules will be
denied access. Maximum booking time is one hour starting on the hour. If you are
more than 5 minutes late, or you vacate the room during a booked slot, access can be
given to another student. No student may return to a room within one hour of vacating
it. Students must vacate rooms when asked to do so by an instrumental teacher or
lecturer. Students studying the organ may avail of practice on the College organs by
arrangement with Dr John O'Keeffe.
3. Approved Ensembles
• Choral Society
• Chamber Orchestra (auditioned)
• Chamber Choir (auditioned)
• Guitar Ensemble (auditioned)
• Irish Traditional Group (auditioned)
• Ladies’ Choir
The Department is renowned for its long and proud tradition of communal music
making. Our concert life is underpinned by the steady rhythm of rehearsals and
concerts supplied our diverse ensembles. Six ensembles are professionally directed
within the Department and each of these contributes to the Approved Ensemble
programme. In 2009-2010 the Choral Society will supply the focus of the programmes
for the three annual Carol Services and also perform a Mozart-centred programme in
the spring. The newly-formed Chamber Orchestra will explore a variety of repertoire
leading to its debut concert in the spring. Another new initiative, the Ladies’ Choir
provides an opportunity for first-year unauditioned female singers to work together. The
Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble and Irish Traditional Group each have University
concerts in their schedules. More about all six ensembles can be found on our
website.
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