The study of music offers numerous benefits beyond just learning about music itself. It helps students build independence and self-confidence, improves health and wellbeing, enhances memory and cognition, reduces stress and anxiety, and develops music literacy and language skills necessary for engaging with today's musical world.

Department Members: Ms. Chloe Heaslip

Music is an optional subject in school, with opportunities for students to take music as a subject for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. In both exams, there are composing, listening and performing music elements. Students can learn various instruments in class (ukulele, tin whistle, recorder). The curriculum covers music theory, music history, music from around the world, technology in music, producing music and instrument tuition.

In the Senior Cycle, the Leaving Certificate music syllabus includes listening, composing, performing, and optional music technology components. Music education opens doors to diverse career opportunities such as music therapist, musician, teacher, arts administrator, event organizer, music producer, sound engineer and more.

There is no need for students to have prior knowledge or experience of music before beginning Junior Cycle music.

Students who decide to study music will be taught ukulele/tin whistle/recorder in class. Some students decide to take up an instrument outside of school after they chose music as a subject.

Even though students may not study music with the view to sitting the state examinations, there are several extra-curricular activities which Largy College encourages students to take part in, such as: Choir, Showtime, Religious services, Carol Singing, Ukulele Club.

Junior Cycle Music

First year music

In first year, students are given the basic grounding in music theory to prepare them for the junior certificate music.

Students study

· Music notation (how to read music)

· chord construction

· music history

· Irish music

· the orchestra

· technology in music

· classroom based instrument tuition

o tin whistle

o recorder

o ukulele

Second/Third Year Music

Throughout second- and third-year students’ study

· Songs and work from composers throughout the various eras in history

· A range of genres and styles of music (Jazz, Pop, Country, Rap, RnB)

· Further study on chord construction by adding backing chords to music

· Melodic and rhythmic dictation

· Music history

· Irish music

· Technology in music

· Continuation of classroom-based instrument tuition

Students who decide to study music will be taught tin whistle recorder and ukulele in class. Some students decide to take up an instrument outside of school after they chose music as a subject

Senior Cycle Music

The Leaving Certificate music syllabus is a continuation from Junior Certificate music.

The syllabus caters for the varying needs of all students including those who would like to pursue further studies in music

Leaving certificate exam:

1. Listening (25%)

2. Composing (25%)

3. Performing (25% / 50%)

and / or

4. Music Technology (25%) - optional

Career Opportunities

This subject opens the door to a huge variety of careers. Music graduates can go on to work in a wide range of professions inside and outside music. If you choose to follow a music career, be mindful that no two career paths are the same. Approach career planning creatively and be prepared to develop a portfolio of roles. You may want to combine teaching with freelance performance work, as well as doing contract/session work on particular projects. It is common for graduates to take several years to establish themselves in creative industries.

Music therapist, Musician, Private music teacher , Secondary school teacher , Arts administrator, Community arts worker, Customer service manager, Editorial assistant, Event organiser, Retail merchandiser, Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video

Useful websites