Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance

Overview

Key features

The Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance programme of the  Dublin City University covers a wide range of musical techniques including performance, instrumental technique, improvisation, composition, computer music, aural training, arranging and pedagogical studies, giving the participants the skills necessary to operate in a wide area of contemporary music, not just jazz.

All of the subjects in the course are geared towards training young musicians to the highest international standards and to be fully equipped to work in the world of contemporary music both here and abroad.

About the Course

The course offers intensive jazz and contemporary music education within a focused, supportive learning environment. It is designed to provide a balance of “traditional” jazz techniques alongside contemporary approaches to improvisation, so that students can experience the full breadth of the contemporary music world and develop into creative, versatile and employable musicians.

The degree focuses on giving students the practical skills they must acquire in order to function well in the professional milieu of contemporary jazz, and other musical settings. Due to its very broad nature, jazz is an ideal training for contemporary musicians and students experience the practical benefits of the various techniques undertaken throughout the programme.

A diverse and rigorous programme of study is organized throughout all four years of the programme. The course is concerned with five principal areas of study: 

• Ensemble Studies

• Instrumental Studies

• Arranging and Composition Studies

• Aural and Theoretical Studies

• Contextual Studies

Career Areas

• Arranger

• Composer

• Music Producer

• Music Teacher

• Professional Performing Musician

• Session Musician