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UCC launches new Masters in Irish Traditional Music

5 Mar 2024
  • UCC Traditional Music Society, UCC Harp Ensemble and Bobby Gardiner performed at celebration.
  • Starting in September 2024, UCC's MA in Irish Traditional Music provides a practical and theoretical immersion in Irish Traditional Music practice and scholarship. 

University College Cork (UCC) hosted a celebration of Irish traditional music to officially mark the launch the university’s new MA in Irish Traditional Music. Members of the traditional arts community, guests, students and staff attended the celebration in the Aula Maxima on Tuesday, 5 March.

The event featured special performances by the UCC Traditional Music Society, UCC Harp Ensemble and the renowned performer and educator Bobby Gardiner.

UCC enjoys an unrivalled history spanning more than 100 years of Irish Traditional Music studies on campus. UCC President Professor John O’Halloran formally launched the MA programme with an address to UCC students, staff, and members of the wider traditional arts community and sector.

Dr Jack Talty, Lecturer in Irish Traditional Music, said: “We are excited to bring students, performers, colleagues, and members of the traditional music community together to celebrate the launch of our new MA programme. The event is an important opportunity to showcase the thriving creative practice and research ecosystem at the Department of Music as we start this next important chapter, supporting postgraduate students to explore innovative creative practice, scholarship, and professional development opportunities within one MA programme.”

“In addition to featuring music from the outstanding UCC Tradsoc and UCC Harp Ensemble, we are also particularly excited to welcome Bobby Gardiner back to the Aula Maxima stage following his recent retirement after 40 years of teaching accordion and melodeon at the Department of Music."

Bobby Gardiner was awarded an Honorary Masters Degree from UCC last year, in recognition of his immense contribution to Irish Traditional Music.

The MA in Irish Traditional Music provides a practical and theoretical immersion in Irish Traditional Music practice and scholarship. The programme draws on internationally recognised expertise to offer a progressively flexible postgraduate pathway in the study of Irish Traditional Music.

College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences

Coláiste na nEalaíon, an Léinn Cheiltigh agus na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta

College Office, Room G31 ,Ground Floor, Block B, O'Rahilly Building, UCC

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