I'm a junior in high school (secondary school) in America. I have senior year left to decide what I want to do and where to go for further study.
I had the great opportunity and honor to speak with Dr. Mick Moloney at the Augusta Irish Week in Elkins, WV this past week regarding further study in Irish Music. He recommended the University of Limerick, saying repeatedly that it was "the best" and it was "perfect" for someone like me who wants to pursue Irish Traditional Music as a career. He spoke of the "quality of the education" as well as how it produced "well-grounded graduates". I suppose he was referring to the electives/required courses in Irish language, ethnomusicology, and history.
When I asked about American schools or the University of Cork or Trinity College in Dublin, Dr. Moloney said "the University of Limerick is your only choice." I was amazed at how decisive he was. Ah well perhaps it's bias; he does have ties to the University as well as ties to all sorts of American colleges; currently, University of Pennsylvania as well as NYU. What a scholar.....
So, the question is: has anybody gone to/graduated from the University of Limerick? Any info on further study of ITM at a college level for a career would be kindly and graciously appreciated.
My daughter is in the same boat and whats became apparent is that you will get a different opinion from most people you talk to!! In the beginning it was Limerick and then we were advised that Dublin was the best and the latest this year is that it should definately be Cork!!! We are fortunate enough to be able to visit each in the next year and hopefully this will help with her decision. Good Luck.
Has anyone actually graduated from this course yet? I think it was set up in 2002, and it's a four-year course...(Yes Moloney has very close ties there so it's not an unbiased opinion - to put it mildly).
There's also folkworks in Newcastle which is another new degree.
From what I hear, it's fabulous; if I wasn't off to do Law, I'd be going to UL to do ITM myself. Besides, with the likes of Niall Keegan and Brendan Mulkere involved, you can't go too far wrong.
I have two friends, both of them Americans, who were/are students in the program in Limerick. One of them has completed her master's degree in Ethnomusicology there and is now pursuing a PhD at NYU. The other is going into her third year as an undergraduate there in the ITM performance program. I've heard nothing bad from either of them about the program in general, although of course there are gripes about particular professors. But that would be the case anywhere you go. From what I can tell, being of course on the American side of the pond and thereby a good bit removed, Limerick would be the place to go for university education in ITM at the moment. The program there was started a few years back by Micheal O Suilleabhain when he left University College Cork, so I'm sure there are still vestiges of a good program in Cork as well. But if it's a career in ITM you're after, the particular university you go to (or even whether you go to university at all) is not going to matter much in the long run. Your own personal initiative, drive and talent, as well as lots of luck, are going to play a much bigger part in determining whether or not you'll be able to pull it off. Music as a career (ITM or any other kind), unlike say law or medicine, is not about going to a good school so you'll end up with a good job. Indeed, the old adage "never quit your day job" has a lot of truth to it. But if you have the all-consuming desire to do ITM as a career, and the motivation to tough it out, I say go for it and do whatever feels right for you along the way!
If I were you I'd do a different subject degree first & then the Masters at UL. A good few of my friends are doing it that way. It keeps your options open. Most music degree graduates are effectively being prepared for teaching, which is a great career, but not everyone's cut out for it. If you can find a 3-year Bachelor's degree (I think you can accelerate your course at some US schools) then you still manage to get out in four years!
Well, now, in general matters involving education, I do have some advice, which is the same advice that I give aspiring actors (having been a professional SAG/AFTRA actress for quite some time, although I've retired from that part of my life now).
Go somewhere where you can get a double degree, and take a more plebian degree at the *same time*, preferably something you like and enjoy doing, if not as much as music. (Some people do a minor in the creative subject, or maybe the other way 'round.)
Yes, it's hard work, yes, you'll suffer for a while, but if the creative career does not take off, you'll be able to make a very decent living (and be able to afford instruments and health insurance and all that sort of thing). You'll also be linking up (depending on what you choose) the right and left sides of your brain in many ways, as well as being able to relate to a wider assortment of people, and that's always valuable.
That might be not exactly what you were asking about, but it's honestly my best piece of advice where education for creative people is concerned. Good luck, and I look forward to some tunes someday!
i have a friend who's a fantastic musician and goes to trinity college dublin. i'm planning on doing a year abroad at one of the three you mentioned, although i don't know which yet.
i think you'll find great players and sessions at any one of those. as far as the program goes, i think all three would tend to be very very good and have more to offer than most american schools anyway.
for my part, i'll be majoring in something else. much as i love the music, i'm afraid of getting "stuck" in it as a career, and i'd rather keep my options open, as S1obhan said.
I am currently entering my third year of the BA in ITM in UL. It is absolutly perfect for anyone considering a career in either music performance or education. The course is varied and broad. I, myself looked into UCC, Trinity, UCD, etc, when I was originally applying, but found that UL is definatly most suited to the trad musician. There is, of course, the fact that Limerick is the place to be at the moment - there is quite a lot of music during the college year re sessions, gigs, concerts, etc!! In other words, plenty to distract you from your studies!!
Edel
Where would you get the time to study, what with all those trips abroad? Hope you recovered from the Catskills and enjoyed travelling around the rest of the country.
By the way, a friend of mine reckons he runs the only French restaurant in Limerick - it's called Brulées. Play him a tune and he might fix you a free croque monsieur. Have a great time in Feakle!
Edel, isnt Erika Keane (from Ennis) studying there too? I lived in Limerick for a few monts a while back and didnt have a great experience, but the city isnt really to blame, and I'm sure the University area is a cool place to be. I lived beside Perry Square and there were a few sessions around the corner. The closest was in a hotel lobby, where three accordeons players would lead (and there was no one else) and since I didnt wanna go deaf at 27 I didnt really hang out there
Hello my Catskills buddies!!!!! Good point Conán - I'm hardly ever there!!! Ah no. I think i've eaten in that restaurant - must call in again for some free french food...
How you Zina??? Recovered yet?? That was so random - meeting you in the Burren!
LOL -- it was, Edel, but a very pleasant surprise. Did you make your workshop that Monday? Anyway, I'm still half-brain dead and still trying to catch up after three weeks away. Oh, I've just remembered -- I've a friend coming over to take the UL program this fall, he and his wife will live there for a year -- I should get you guys in touch, he's a lovely fluter and hilariously good crack. Do I have your e-mail somewhere?
I'll actually be going to UL this september for undergrad in performance for guitar/mandolin. I think your not gonna find "the best" because there is never a best. Just find what appeals most to you and weigh all the options. UL is a great place, I don't think you could go wrong going there.
I believe that Matt Cranitch got his degree(s) and teaches at the UC Cork. I took a look at the online catalog of ITM courses there, and it looks great.
There seems to be a real boost in ITM curricula all over Ireland, so I'm not sure you can do badly.
My friends in Limerick speak highly of the program there, and living in either city would be wonderful.
This is my fatherly advice (I have just graduated two sons, one of whom wanted to be a professional musician) so you can take it for what it is worth.
I agree with Zina Lee, you should consider a good general education and pick a school that can give you both the experience of ITM and a broader base from which to work. It is possible (I know you don't think so now) that you may not be able to become a professional musican or that you will find other interests. I grew up in Nashville and have a number of professional musician friends, some of whom you may have heard of since you are familiar with Bluegrass music, and virtually none of them went to school specifically to be a bluegrass musician. Most of them did go to college, however, and used the knowledge gained there to become a better professional which, after all, involves a lot of business and planning if you want to be successful.
There are alternatives, Boston College for example has a terrific Irish studies program with a world class music faculty, The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee has a Celtic studies minor and is associated with the Irisfest, UW-Madison has all sorts of Irish music courses, a music school, and a great ITM scene in Madison. Those are the few I know off the top of my head.
My experience with the Limerick program is limited: a few of the students came to Dingle on a field trip and proceeded to take over a session there all playing exactly the same way at warp 10. Only after the pub owner (who is a world class box player) set a few rules was it fun again. This is said not to show disrespect for the program but to put a little thought in your head that an academic approach to what is a grass roots community based art may not give the whole picture and may be a bit homgeneous in approach.
Another practical point is that such an education is expensive (although not as expensive as BC, I grant) and you will be a foreign student. But that is a difficulty that can be resolved.
Both of my sons changed their minds in college and went a different way than when they started. the don't regret the change and one is still pursuing a career as a bass player while in graduate school. Music never goes away. I had to make a similar choice and did not take the opportunity to play guitar with a well known bluegrass musician. Of course if i had done that I would have been drafted in a second <G>
Think about your choices, they are many, and leave some room for change.
Hmm. Was down in Limerick recently and heard a session with some of the UL gang - it was right off the scale alright (partly why we didn't sit down). Great performers, undoubtedly, but someone did describe them as something like identikit musicians. Perhaps too critical - I know I was pretty much the same at that stage in my development, tearing away at ninety miles an hour doing all the latest stunts. But maybe not too critical - as Mike says, they're in an academic program, and hence shouldn't they show some difference or spark which sets them apart from the many other young guns not on such courses?
Lead Guitarist Wanted; no Berklee graduates need apply.
While there are certainly advantages to the formal conservatory approach there are certain disadvantages as well, chief of which is ending up being an institutional product.
Mass production does not create individual differences. It has no means of doing so. Standarized training and testing results in standarized people.
For orchestra pit monkeys or people working recording sessions for the advertising industry this is actually a desirable trait.
The UL website includes a short video of some Masters students' performances. I also recently heard a soundclip of UL undergrads playing, and the attempt to echo Lunasa was clear. I won't say how successful they were--you'll have to find the clip and listen for yourselves.
I'm considering UL for my graduate work. I'm getting my undergrad at Baylor University in Piano Pedagogy. Of course I'm not sure if I'm going to go performance or ethnomusicology. And no, just because they are collegiate muscians does not mean that they will bypass the typical pitfalls, it's actually often worse, because that many egos in a small place is killer. Yes, this is experience speaking even if it is with classical music.
What I truly believe about majoring in music is that it isn't for those who want too, it's for those of us who have to. I don't mean that they are forced to by their parents, or that they are incapable of doing anything else, I mean those that despite the options that can't possibly do anything else.
Follow your dreams, but realize that you'll get out of an education what you put into it. If you put in standard effort into a standard program you will become a standard player. If however, you choose to go to UL or any other college to study Irish trad and you choose to put your heart, soul and all of your effort into your music, you have a chance of becoming a performer.
Also remember though, a college education in performance is not a guarantee of a career as a performance musician.
Can I just STRONGLY disagree with the comment posted by "continuo" above. What you have said can be described as generalising. As one of this "limerick gang" I might just add that you would be hard pushed to find such a group of musicians in any other college with such a wide and diverse range of styles. Take into account that many come from different backgrounds re regionaly styles - donegal, sliabh luachra, galway, dublin.. and of course Clare, where I'm from. Each of us came to UL as new students, but were already accomplished performers by that stage. My concertina style could certainly not be compared to that of a donegal fiddler ar an accordion player from Cork. And also, I most definatly have no desire to immulate the music of any modern-day band or group. (Comment by Will Harmon) - While I admire and appreciate what they do...
Edelfox, I'm glad to hear that you and no doubt others at UL aren't interested in just mirroring the sounds of other bands or musicians. Good on you. Actually, the video clips of the Masters students revealed some diversity of style and musical taste--great to see that, since the course descriptions hint that students are to gain an understanding of different regional and personal styles in their studies.
As faculty at a university myself, I'd just keep my eyes and ears open for signs of an institutional bias creeping into the students' own tastes and styles. I've seen it in writing programs, where a fair portion of the MFA grads write just like their guru prof.
Two points: My comments related to that session which I heard. I didn't mean to imply that EVERYONE played exactly the same. As Will said above, I just thought (and thinking back to the last time I was in UL the same thing crossed my mind) that there was some emulation and a certain degree of 'sameness' about the music.
Anyway, it also sounded impressive, and clearly the musicians knew what they were at. So maybe by that you could judge it a success. Time will tell.
Hey Sean! It's Rosie, remember me? From Augusta? OMG!!! I loved Augusta. And I have heard of the Limerick School. Thats where I am thinking about going. COOL BEANS!!! Haha. Well, give me a shout sometime! You have my email address... Cya!
I'm in the first year of the course here at UL and I'd recommend it to anyone serious about playing and learning about Irish music and dance.
A very productive and enjoyable environment! The masterclasses are particularly good.
The campus is also really nice and there are so many sessions it would probably be physically impossible to get to them all!
I see the point about keeping options open, but to be honest if you're going to spend 4 years on a course, make it something you're good at and passionate about, not just something you think is more 'sensible'.
hi i a young 18yr old bow wielder and am hoping to do the itm course in lim this year, if anybody that's doing the course could get in contact with me to tell me about it, that would be gr8!
University of Limerick for ITM?
University of Limerick for ITM?
I'm a junior in high school (secondary school) in America. I have senior year left to decide what I want to do and where to go for further study.
I had the great opportunity and honor to speak with Dr. Mick Moloney at the Augusta Irish Week in Elkins, WV this past week regarding further study in Irish Music. He recommended the University of Limerick, saying repeatedly that it was "the best" and it was "perfect" for someone like me who wants to pursue Irish Traditional Music as a career. He spoke of the "quality of the education" as well as how it produced "well-grounded graduates". I suppose he was referring to the electives/required courses in Irish language, ethnomusicology, and history.
When I asked about American schools or the University of Cork or Trinity College in Dublin, Dr. Moloney said "the University of Limerick is your only choice." I was amazed at how decisive he was. Ah well perhaps it's bias; he does have ties to the University as well as ties to all sorts of American colleges; currently, University of Pennsylvania as well as NYU. What a scholar.....
So, the question is: has anybody gone to/graduated from the University of Limerick? Any info on further study of ITM at a college level for a career would be kindly and graciously appreciated.
Sean Earnest
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by DADGADLad
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Oooooooh that's sooo where I want to gooooo1!! After 2 years of college in lil' Rhody that is =\
Cheers,
Armand
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by armandale
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hi I'm in the same boat,
I'm from Australia and am considering a year in ireland on university exchange, any reccomendations??
thanks
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by flute jen
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
University of Life is a good choice too.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by BegF
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
My daughter is in the same boat and whats became apparent is that you will get a different opinion from most people you talk to!! In the beginning it was Limerick and then we were advised that Dublin was the best and the latest this year is that it should definately be Cork!!! We are fortunate enough to be able to visit each in the next year and hopefully this will help with her decision. Good Luck.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Paulam
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Everybody I know who stidied ITM went to UL without exception. It seems to be the place.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by John McCartin
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Has anyone actually graduated from this course yet? I think it was set up in 2002, and it's a four-year course...(Yes Moloney has very close ties there so it's not an unbiased opinion - to put it mildly).
There's also folkworks in Newcastle which is another new degree.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by continuo
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
im in UCC myself but i believe UL is the place to go for that stuff.
class campus as well!!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by scully
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
From what I hear, it's fabulous; if I wasn't off to do Law, I'd be going to UL to do ITM myself. Besides, with the likes of Niall Keegan and Brendan Mulkere involved, you can't go too far wrong.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by never-trust-a-violinist
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I have two friends, both of them Americans, who were/are students in the program in Limerick. One of them has completed her master's degree in Ethnomusicology there and is now pursuing a PhD at NYU. The other is going into her third year as an undergraduate there in the ITM performance program. I've heard nothing bad from either of them about the program in general, although of course there are gripes about particular professors. But that would be the case anywhere you go. From what I can tell, being of course on the American side of the pond and thereby a good bit removed, Limerick would be the place to go for university education in ITM at the moment. The program there was started a few years back by Micheal O Suilleabhain when he left University College Cork, so I'm sure there are still vestiges of a good program in Cork as well. But if it's a career in ITM you're after, the particular university you go to (or even whether you go to university at all) is not going to matter much in the long run. Your own personal initiative, drive and talent, as well as lots of luck, are going to play a much bigger part in determining whether or not you'll be able to pull it off. Music as a career (ITM or any other kind), unlike say law or medicine, is not about going to a good school so you'll end up with a good job. Indeed, the old adage "never quit your day job" has a lot of truth to it. But if you have the all-consuming desire to do ITM as a career, and the motivation to tough it out, I say go for it and do whatever feels right for you along the way!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by johnkerr
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
If I were you I'd do a different subject degree first & then the Masters at UL. A good few of my friends are doing it that way. It keeps your options open. Most music degree graduates are effectively being prepared for teaching, which is a great career, but not everyone's cut out for it. If you can find a 3-year Bachelor's degree (I think you can accelerate your course at some US schools) then you still manage to get out in four years!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by S1obhan
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Well, now, in general matters involving education, I do have some advice, which is the same advice that I give aspiring actors (having been a professional SAG/AFTRA actress for quite some time, although I've retired from that part of my life now).
Go somewhere where you can get a double degree, and take a more plebian degree at the *same time*, preferably something you like and enjoy doing, if not as much as music. (Some people do a minor in the creative subject, or maybe the other way 'round.)
Yes, it's hard work, yes, you'll suffer for a while, but if the creative career does not take off, you'll be able to make a very decent living (and be able to afford instruments and health insurance and all that sort of thing). You'll also be linking up (depending on what you choose) the right and left sides of your brain in many ways, as well as being able to relate to a wider assortment of people, and that's always valuable.
That might be not exactly what you were asking about, but it's honestly my best piece of advice where education for creative people is concerned. Good luck, and I look forward to some tunes someday!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
i have a friend who's a fantastic musician and goes to trinity college dublin. i'm planning on doing a year abroad at one of the three you mentioned, although i don't know which yet.
i think you'll find great players and sessions at any one of those. as far as the program goes, i think all three would tend to be very very good and have more to offer than most american schools anyway.
for my part, i'll be majoring in something else. much as i love the music, i'm afraid of getting "stuck" in it as a career, and i'd rather keep my options open, as S1obhan said.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by heth
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
"Everybody I know who stidied ITM went to UL without exception. It seems to be the place."
If popularity equaled quality the Maxwell House coffee jingle would be one of the greatest tunes in history.
KFG
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by KFG
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I am currently entering my third year of the BA in ITM in UL. It is absolutly perfect for anyone considering a career in either music performance or education. The course is varied and broad. I, myself looked into UCC, Trinity, UCD, etc, when I was originally applying, but found that UL is definatly most suited to the trad musician. There is, of course, the fact that Limerick is the place to be at the moment - there is quite a lot of music during the college year re sessions, gigs, concerts, etc!! In other words, plenty to distract you from your studies!!
Edel
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by edelfox
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hi Edel
Where would you get the time to study, what with all those trips abroad? Hope you recovered from the Catskills and enjoyed travelling around the rest of the country.
By the way, a friend of mine reckons he runs the only French restaurant in Limerick - it's called Brulées. Play him a tune and he might fix you a free croque monsieur. Have a great time in Feakle!
Conán
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hi Edel!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Edel, isnt Erika Keane (from Ennis) studying there too? I lived in Limerick for a few monts a while back and didnt have a great experience, but the city isnt really to blame, and I'm sure the University area is a cool place to be. I lived beside Perry Square and there were a few sessions around the corner. The closest was in a hotel lobby, where three accordeons players would lead (and there was no one else) and since I didnt wanna go deaf at 27 I didnt really hang out there
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Azalin
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hello my Catskills buddies!!!!! Good point Conán - I'm hardly ever there!!! Ah no. I think i've eaten in that restaurant - must call in again for some free french food...
How you Zina??? Recovered yet?? That was so random - meeting you in the Burren!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by edelfox
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Oh, By the way, don't think Erika is in Limerick. At least, I dont think she is doing music.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by edelfox
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
LOL -- it was, Edel, but a very pleasant surprise. Did you make your workshop that Monday? Anyway, I'm still half-brain dead and still trying to catch up after three weeks away. Oh, I've just remembered -- I've a friend coming over to take the UL program this fall, he and his wife will live there for a year -- I should get you guys in touch, he's a lovely fluter and hilariously good crack. Do I have your e-mail somewhere?
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I don't -- check the address you have for The Session, I'll send you my e-mail through that, Edel!
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Zina Lee
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I'll actually be going to UL this september for undergrad in performance for guitar/mandolin. I think your not gonna find "the best" because there is never a best. Just find what appeals most to you and weigh all the options. UL is a great place, I don't think you could go wrong going there.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by celticsteve18
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I believe that Matt Cranitch got his degree(s) and teaches at the UC Cork. I took a look at the online catalog of ITM courses there, and it looks great.
There seems to be a real boost in ITM curricula all over Ireland, so I'm not sure you can do badly.
My friends in Limerick speak highly of the program there, and living in either city would be wonderful.
stv
http://cdbaby.com/Culchies
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by stv culchie
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hey Steve, does this mean you've managed to arrange the means?
Good on ya! You'll no doubt have one of the peak experiences of your lifetime. Take a bit of time along the way to savor it.
KFG
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by KFG
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
John,
This is my fatherly advice (I have just graduated two sons, one of whom wanted to be a professional musician) so you can take it for what it is worth.
I agree with Zina Lee, you should consider a good general education and pick a school that can give you both the experience of ITM and a broader base from which to work. It is possible (I know you don't think so now) that you may not be able to become a professional musican or that you will find other interests. I grew up in Nashville and have a number of professional musician friends, some of whom you may have heard of since you are familiar with Bluegrass music, and virtually none of them went to school specifically to be a bluegrass musician. Most of them did go to college, however, and used the knowledge gained there to become a better professional which, after all, involves a lot of business and planning if you want to be successful.
There are alternatives, Boston College for example has a terrific Irish studies program with a world class music faculty, The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee has a Celtic studies minor and is associated with the Irisfest, UW-Madison has all sorts of Irish music courses, a music school, and a great ITM scene in Madison. Those are the few I know off the top of my head.
My experience with the Limerick program is limited: a few of the students came to Dingle on a field trip and proceeded to take over a session there all playing exactly the same way at warp 10. Only after the pub owner (who is a world class box player) set a few rules was it fun again. This is said not to show disrespect for the program but to put a little thought in your head that an academic approach to what is a grass roots community based art may not give the whole picture and may be a bit homgeneous in approach.
Another practical point is that such an education is expensive (although not as expensive as BC, I grant) and you will be a foreign student. But that is a difficulty that can be resolved.
Both of my sons changed their minds in college and went a different way than when they started. the don't regret the change and one is still pursuing a career as a bass player while in graduate school. Music never goes away. I had to make a similar choice and did not take the opportunity to play guitar with a well known bluegrass musician. Of course if i had done that I would have been drafted in a second <G>
Think about your choices, they are many, and leave some room for change.
Mike Keyes
http://www.banjosessions.com/aug05/righthand.html
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by mikeyes
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hmm. Was down in Limerick recently and heard a session with some of the UL gang - it was right off the scale alright (partly why we didn't sit down). Great performers, undoubtedly, but someone did describe them as something like identikit musicians. Perhaps too critical - I know I was pretty much the same at that stage in my development, tearing away at ninety miles an hour doing all the latest stunts. But maybe not too critical - as Mike says, they're in an academic program, and hence shouldn't they show some difference or spark which sets them apart from the many other young guns not on such courses?
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by continuo
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Reminds me of an ad I saw in the local arts rag:
Lead Guitarist Wanted; no Berklee graduates need apply.
While there are certainly advantages to the formal conservatory approach there are certain disadvantages as well, chief of which is ending up being an institutional product.
Mass production does not create individual differences. It has no means of doing so. Standarized training and testing results in standarized people.
For orchestra pit monkeys or people working recording sessions for the advertising industry this is actually a desirable trait.
For performing artists it is not.
KFG
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by KFG
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
The UL website includes a short video of some Masters students' performances. I also recently heard a soundclip of UL undergrads playing, and the attempt to echo Lunasa was clear. I won't say how successful they were--you'll have to find the clip and listen for yourselves.
# Posted on August 3rd 2005 by Will Harmon
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I'm considering UL for my graduate work. I'm getting my undergrad at Baylor University in Piano Pedagogy. Of course I'm not sure if I'm going to go performance or ethnomusicology. And no, just because they are collegiate muscians does not mean that they will bypass the typical pitfalls, it's actually often worse, because that many egos in a small place is killer. Yes, this is experience speaking even if it is with classical music.
What I truly believe about majoring in music is that it isn't for those who want too, it's for those of us who have to. I don't mean that they are forced to by their parents, or that they are incapable of doing anything else, I mean those that despite the options that can't possibly do anything else.
Follow your dreams, but realize that you'll get out of an education what you put into it. If you put in standard effort into a standard program you will become a standard player. If however, you choose to go to UL or any other college to study Irish trad and you choose to put your heart, soul and all of your effort into your music, you have a chance of becoming a performer.
Also remember though, a college education in performance is not a guarantee of a career as a performance musician.
# Posted on August 4th 2005 by musicfan
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Two friends of mine graduated last year and they're doin the masters now. Sounds so good I'd nearly quit the day job!
# Posted on August 4th 2005 by John McCartin
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
A mate of mine did the masters. Said it was well worth it. Hard work but very enjoyable.
# Posted on August 4th 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Can I just STRONGLY disagree with the comment posted by "continuo" above. What you have said can be described as generalising. As one of this "limerick gang" I might just add that you would be hard pushed to find such a group of musicians in any other college with such a wide and diverse range of styles. Take into account that many come from different backgrounds re regionaly styles - donegal, sliabh luachra, galway, dublin.. and of course Clare, where I'm from. Each of us came to UL as new students, but were already accomplished performers by that stage. My concertina style could certainly not be compared to that of a donegal fiddler ar an accordion player from Cork. And also, I most definatly have no desire to immulate the music of any modern-day band or group. (Comment by Will Harmon) - While I admire and appreciate what they do...
# Posted on August 4th 2005 by edelfox
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Edelfox, I'm glad to hear that you and no doubt others at UL aren't interested in just mirroring the sounds of other bands or musicians. Good on you. Actually, the video clips of the Masters students revealed some diversity of style and musical taste--great to see that, since the course descriptions hint that students are to gain an understanding of different regional and personal styles in their studies.
As faculty at a university myself, I'd just keep my eyes and ears open for signs of an institutional bias creeping into the students' own tastes and styles. I've seen it in writing programs, where a fair portion of the MFA grads write just like their guru prof.
# Posted on August 4th 2005 by Will Harmon
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Edelfox
Two points: My comments related to that session which I heard. I didn't mean to imply that EVERYONE played exactly the same. As Will said above, I just thought (and thinking back to the last time I was in UL the same thing crossed my mind) that there was some emulation and a certain degree of 'sameness' about the music.
Anyway, it also sounded impressive, and clearly the musicians knew what they were at. So maybe by that you could judge it a success. Time will tell.
# Posted on August 5th 2005 by continuo
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
Hey Sean! It's Rosie, remember me? From Augusta? OMG!!! I loved Augusta. And I have heard of the Limerick School. Thats where I am thinking about going. COOL BEANS!!! Haha. Well, give me a shout sometime! You have my email address... Cya!
-Rosie Carson
# Posted on August 5th 2005 by fiddleroxmysox
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
I'm in the first year of the course here at UL and I'd recommend it to anyone serious about playing and learning about Irish music and dance.
A very productive and enjoyable environment! The masterclasses are particularly good.
The campus is also really nice and there are so many sessions it would probably be physically impossible to get to them all!
I see the point about keeping options open, but to be honest if you're going to spend 4 years on a course, make it something you're good at and passionate about, not just something you think is more 'sensible'.
All the best with the music,
Lizzy
# Posted on November 2nd 2005 by Lizzy
Re: University of Limerick for ITM?
hi i a young 18yr old bow wielder and am hoping to do the itm course in lim this year, if anybody that's doing the course could get in contact with me to tell me about it, that would be gr8!
# Posted on June 11th 2006 by fishtyfiddle