Enrolment
How do I enrol?
Enrolment is by way of our MIT online application system.
Once an application is received it remains on a waiting list until the next enrolment session, which is normally during the early summer.
Students are then contacted re possible times, days and teachers.
Once a date is agreed, the fee is paid and students start the following September.
There are long waiting times for some instruments, particularly guitar, voice and piano.
Students who are waiting for an instrumental place can enrol separately for a place in a theory class or an ensemble class subject to availability of places.
These students are then prioritised for vacancies that may arise the following year.
Can I enrol at any time?
No, re-enrolment/enrolment generally occurs once a year, between May and September. We do not enrol students on a rolling basis.
Can I enrol for more than one instrument?
Yes but we would recommend that young children focus on one instrument for the first few years of study.
Can I request a particular day, time or teacher?
Places are offered subject to availability. As there is a high demand for places each year, days, times and teachers cannot be guaranteed.
Do I have to re-apply every year?
Current students are invited to re-enrol after Easter each year.
They can discuss the time and day with the teacher at that time.
Re-enrolments are not accepted after the closing date.
Any student who misses the closing date must re-apply.
Students on the waiting lists need not re-apply.
We keep your name on our waiting lists until a suitable place arises.
How are fees paid?
Fees are paid in full using our MIT online application system when enrolling/re-enrolling. There is no provision for partial payment, family discounts or OAP rates.
Instruments
What instruments do you offer?
The Music Centre offers courses in piano, electronic keyboard, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, recorder, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp, ukulele, guitar, drums, percussion and voice.
What styles do you do?
There is a general music education approach for all beginners.
After that, students can diversify through tuition in classical, jazz, popular and traditional as appropriate to the instrument.
We would encourage students to discuss the programme with the teacher in advance.
What is the distinction between electronic keyboard and piano?
The teachers in City of Dublin ETB Music Centre are piano teachers.
In general, we do not have provision for teaching keyboards (i.e. electrically operated piano-type instruments).
Students with keyboards may be accepted for enrolment however, once they are clear about the distinctions between pianos and electronic keyboards.
Electronic Keyboards may be acceptable as starter instruments but we would emphasise that to ensure progression, a piano is more appropriate.
Do I have to have an instrument?
At your first meeting with the teacher, you can ask about suitable instruments.
Instruments can be purchased in advance but we would recommend that you get expert advice before you buy.
The Music Centre does not offer an instrument rental scheme.
Exams
What examinations do you offer?
Our school facilitates practical and theory exams administered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, which is a UK based exam body.
Most of our students would do one theory and one practical exam a year.
Do I have to do exams?
No, students can agree a different approach with their teacher.
Please bear in mind however that our teachers would still be keen that progress be made!
Ensembles
What ensembles do you have?
The Music Centre has the following ensembles:
Classical Strings,
Orchestra,
String Ensemble,
Chamber Music,
Guitar Ensemble,
Harp Ensemble,
Wind Ensemble,
Recorder Ensemble,
Saxophone Ensemble,
Jazz Ensemble,
Junior Choir,
Glee Club,
Junior Songwriters,
Early Music Ensemble,
Brass Ensemble,
Musical Theatre Group,
Music Technology Club.
What extra curricular work do you do?
Our ensembles perform regularly, from small events to large scale concerts in the National Concert Hall and Helix.
Our ensembles have travelled to represent the College in Prague, Edinburgh and Milan.
Theory
Why do theory?
The theory place is included in the fee.
Students who study theory learn about the elements of music without the added complication of playing an instrument at the same time so it is an invaluable learning support.
It is difficult to make progress at the higher grades without doing theory.
Do I have to do theory?
We would encourage all our students to do theory to maximise their potential as musicians.
Junior and Leaving Cert
Do you offer Junior and Leaving Cert music?
The Music Centre provides Leaving Cert Music classes and the fee is that of a Theory only course. Junior Cycle Music can no longer be provided as an additional subject.
Can I sit the exam in Kylemore?
Students who study music for state exams in the Music Centre must notify the exam secretary in their own school. They are entered through their own school and do practicals and the written exam in their own school. The Music Centre does not facilitate practical or theory exams for Leaving Cert.
Problems
Who can I complain to?
Any problems are initially referred to the Music Office at 623 9187. After that, City of Dublin ETB has a detailed complaints procedure in place.
