The study of music provides a general education in music for all students. It encourages the development of musical potential and creativity necessary to attain the objectives set down  in the National Curriculum. How-ever, in moving towards this goal an education in music offers many ancillary benefits:

Builds independence and self confidence

Improves health and wellbeing

Improves memory and cognition

Reduced stress and lessens anxiety

Develops music literacy ad language necessary to engage with todays musical world

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Department members:

Ms. Irene Dunwoody

Subject overview

Music is an optional subject and is offered to all students with the view of sitting the Junior Certificate and/or the Leaving Certificate Examinations as set down by the State Examinations Commission. In both of these exams, there are written and practical tests. In the practical/performance element of the examination, students will be expected to display proficiency in either playing a musical instrument, singing or a combination of both. To assist in this, students from 1^st year to 3^rd year will have the opportunity to learn tin whistle, recorder and ukulele in class. It should be noted that students can play their own instruments in both state examinations if they wish to do so.

Instruments may be provided, on loan basis, to assist students taking practical music lessons outside of the school

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

Even though students may not study music with the view to sitting the state examinations, there are a number of extra-curricular activities which Largy College encourages students to take part in, such as:

• Choir
• Showtime
• Religious services
• Carol Singing
• TY Music Module

Students Work

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

• Noration
• chord  construction
• music history
• Irish music  
• the orchestra
• technology in music
• classroom based instrument tuition
  • tin whistle
  • recorder
  • 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
• 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