Program Overview
The MA in Ritual Chant and Song provides specialized training in Western plainchant and Irish religious song, combined with studies in ritual theory and liturgical history. The program emphasizes vocal development through individual classes and masterclasses, and prepares students for careers as singers, musicians, or in related fields such as education, technology, or arts management. It is offered in collaboration with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MA in Ritual Chant and Song is a one-year, full-time program that specializes in chant and ritual vocal repertoires, contextualized by a program of study in ritual theory and liturgical history. The program focuses on Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, while also welcoming a variety of world ritual vocal repertoires. Vocal development is facilitated through one-to-one, weekly vocal classes, as well as master-classes with internationally renowned performers. The program is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.
Objectives:
- To provide specialized vocal training in ritual repertoires, particularly Western plainchant and Irish traditional religious song, contextualized by the study of liturgical history and ritual theory.
- To develop a research foundation for the interdisciplinary study of music, performance, theology, and anthropology of ritual.
Outline:
Semester 1
- MU5361 Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 1
- MD6151 Materials, Methods, and Context for Western Chant 1
- MD6021 Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques
- MD6041 Introduction to Ritual Studies
Options:
Students can choose two options from the following list:
- MD6051 Independent Study 1
- MD6061 Introduction to Somatics 1
- MD6102 Colloquium 1
- MU6071 Beginners' Ecclesiastical Latin for the Study of Plainchant
- AS6001 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 1
- MD6091 Professional Development for the Performing Arts
Semester 2
- MU5362 Ritual Chant and Song Practicum 2
- MD6142 Materials, Methods, and Context for Western Chant 2
- MD6132 Advanced Ritual Studies
Options:
Students can choose two options from the following list:
- MD6052 Independent Study 2
- MD6092 Introduction to Somatics 2
- MD6111 Colloquium 2
- AW6012 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2
- MD6062 Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy
- MD6162 Interdisciplinary Practice
Semester 3
- MD5522 Final Presentation
Careers:
One focus of the course is the development of performers, so many past students have gone on to develop careers as singers, musicians, and musical directors. However, students have used skills acquired through this MA in a number of other fields, including education (at primary, post-primary, secondary, and tertiary levels), technology, arts management, etc. A good number of graduates of this MA have also gone on to further doctoral study.
Other:
The program is offered in association with the Benedictine community at Glenstal Abbey.
EU - €7,270 Non- EU - €16,900
