Are you passionate about music? Do you love singing, playing an instrument or both? This degree will help you become a fully trained, high-level performing musician.

The BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance at Dublin City University (DCU) is a vibrant and practice-focused degree designed for aspiring professional musicians with a passion for jazz, contemporary, and popular music genres. Delivered in partnership with the renowned Newpark Music Centre, the program offers students a rigorous, conservatory-style training experience within a university setting.

Rooted in performance excellence, creative development, and technical mastery, this program allows students to refine their individual artistry while gaining a strong foundation in theory, improvisation, composition, ensemble work, and music technology. Students learn from Ireland’s leading jazz musicians and music educators, while actively engaging with Dublin’s dynamic music scene.

Why Choose This Program?

Performance-Focused: Develop your instrumental or vocal skills through individual tuition, ensemble collaboration, and live performances.

Genre Diversity: Explore jazz, funk, soul, fusion, world music, pop, and contemporary styles with equal emphasis.

Industry-Relevant Training: Gain professional insights into the music industry, production, recording, and artistic development.

Expert Mentorship: Learn from experienced, world-class performers and educators in a nurturing and inspiring environment.

Collaborative Learning: Perform in ensembles, jam sessions, studio recordings, and interdisciplinary projects.

Programme Structure

This is a four-year, full-time degree that blends performance training with academic and industry-focused modules:

• Year 1: Foundations in music theory, aural training, jazz harmony, rhythm studies, ensemble performance, and individual instrumental/vocal lessons.

• Year 2: Intermediate studies in improvisation, composition, music technology, ensemble development, and jazz history.

• Year 3: Advanced performance modules, recording techniques, arranging, industry practice, and opportunities for electives or international exchange.

• Year 4: A major Performance Recital, Professional Practice modules, and an Independent Creative Project that showcases students’ artistic identity.

Students perform regularly throughout the program, both within DCU and at external venues, festivals, and industry events.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

• ?Achieve high-level proficiency on their primary instrument or voice in jazz and contemporary music contexts.
• Demonstrate mastery in music theory, improvisation, and ensemble performance.
• Compose and arrange music across diverse contemporary genres.
• Understand the structure, opportunities, and demands of the modern music industry.
• Use music technology for performance, composition, and production.
• Cultivate an individual artistic voice with the confidence to pursue a professional career.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for dynamic careers across the music and creative industries, including:

• Professional Performer – as a solo artist, session musician, or band member across genres.
• Composer/Arranger – for live performance, film, TV, and digital media.
• Music Producer or Sound Engineer – in recording studios, live sound, or multimedia projects.
• Music Educator – in schools, private tuition, or higher education (with additional qualifications).
• Arts and Events Management – working with festivals, cultural organisations, or performance venues.
• Entrepreneurial Artist – build a freelance or independent career in music through creative business strategies.

Why Study at DCU?

DCU + Newpark Partnership: Access the best of academic learning and conservatory-style music training.

Performance Opportunities: Engage with Dublin’s rich live music culture, festivals, and collaborative arts scene.

Industry Connections: DCU’s links to music professionals and organisations support career-readiness and networking.

Modern Facilities: Access high-quality rehearsal spaces, studios, and performance venues.

Award-Winning University: DCU is ranked among the top young universities globally and is known for student support, innovation, and graduate outcomes.

*Special Note for Non-EU Undergraduate Applicants*

Dublin City University offers an initial €2,000 scholarship to all non-EU undergraduate students to assist with tuition costs. In addition, merit-based scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional academic and/or artistic potential.