Kerry School of Music and Performing Arts aims to develop standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence in Music and Performing Arts in the South West region by offering part-time courses leading to Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship Diplomas. These diplomas are intended for those teaching or intending to teach instruments or voice, Speech and Drama and other performing arts subjects either to individuals or groups.

Music Diplomas: Trinity/Guildhall School of Music and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music offer widely recognised, reputable Diplomas at Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship levels in areas such as Music Direction, Composing, Specialist Music Teaching, Instrumental/Vocal Teaching and Performance and Recital. These Diplomas are examined and awarded on a world-wide basis and provide a credible alternative to full-time undergraduate courses for those who do not wish/are unable to pursue full-time study.

DipABRSM and ATCL are roughly equivalent to a Level 6 Higher Certificate in the National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland. Level 7 and Level 8 represent Aordinary and Honours Bachelor Degrees respectively.

            • Diploma in Instrumental/Vocal Teaching

The structure of the diplomas is as follows.

Unit 1: Principles of Teaching
Students are prepared for a written paper covering assessing subject-specific knowledge, theory and practice of teaching and the wider educational context.

Unit 2: Teaching Experience
These are case studies, based on the teacher’s own work, which cover teaching strategies, planning and assessment.

Unit 3: Demonstration Lesson and Viva Voce
Teachers have the opportunity to give a demonstration lesson (or to submit a recording – Video or DVD) following which they will have a discussion with the examiner.

               • Performance/Recital Diploma

Performance Diplomas
These focus on performance. At Associate level they also include technical work and other supporting tests: Sight Reading and a choice of Ear tests or Aural Awareness. At FTCL the focus is exclusively on performance. For FTCL, candidates perform one set work and the rest of the programme is chosen by the candidate. All FTCL programmes must be approved by head office in advance.

Recital Diplomas
These concentrate exclusively on playing or singing through the presentation of a short recital. This is supported through Presentation Skills to encourage a high level of stagecraft. Candidates may choose some or all of the pieces within their programmes, subject to approval.

Entry Criteria: To qualify for the Instrumental/Vocal Teaching or Performance/Recital Diploma Courses, students must be eighteen years old and have passed a Grade 8 practical examination and a Grade 5 Music Theory examination from a reputable external examining board.


Enquiries regarding any aspect of the information contained on this page should be directed to the School Principal.