PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN MUSIC
Starts 27th September 2023
Price €895
(Instalment Price: €995)
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Classroom
Study in a classroom environment one evening a week.
Price from €995
(Instalment Price: €1095)
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Live online training with real-time instructor-student interaction.
Price from €895
(Instalment Price: €995)
This diploma offers the student a broad introduction to the study of music with an emphasis on introductory music theory and aural skills (similar to RIAM & ABRSM Grades 1-2), and general historical & cultural studies.
It is designed for those preparing for third-level study (especially mature students), those wishing to make a career change to music, and for candidates with a general interest in music.
Programme Aims
The Diploma in Music aims to train candidates in the fundamentals in music theory, aural skills, and general historical & cultural studies.
A pass grade on a final assignment will be required for rewarding the Diploma in Music.

Lecturer
Duncan Brickenden
Duncan Brickenden trained at the Conservatory of Music (DIT) and the Royal Academy of Music, London. At the Conservatory he studied organ with Peter Sweeney and voice with Colette McGahon. Progressing from here with a Bachelor of Music, he trained at the Academy with countertenor Michael Chance and Philip Doghan.
Transitioning from singing after his studies here, Duncan became assistant musical director of the West End Gospel Choir and artistic director of Soho Gospel, slowly establishing himself as a leading vocal coach and choir director on the London scene.
As a singer, Duncan has held contracts previously with Chamber Choir Ireland, and the Grammy award-winning ensemble Ars Nova Copenhagen, and was also a choral scholar and gentleman respectively of the choirs of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin and St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.
Duncan is the director of music for Diva Voces, a sixty-voice female four part choir. An award winning choir, they recently won first place in two competitions at Limerick Choral Festival. Most recently, the choir collaborated with poet Paula Meehan and composer Georgia Johnston. The world premiere of ‘Prayer Before Starting & The Book of Changes’ took place in June 2018 to great acclaim.
Duncan conducts the RDS Singers, the RDS’ member’s choir, Dublin City Choral Union, a one hundred voiced philharmonic choir specialising in large scale works, The Brook Singers, an all-male chamber ensemble. As a tutor, coach and accompanist, Duncan has worked extensively throughout the UK and Ireland. While in London, he held permanent positions as a vocal coach for the ARK School Network and Stagecoach Theatre Schools. In 2017, Duncan joined the teaching faculties of DIT and the American College Dublin.
In 2016, Duncan was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) for his work in arts management as Curator for the Pride in London Festival for 2015 & 2016. Further studies at Central Saint Martin’s London, in 2018 Duncan was awarded an MA in Arts & Cultural Enterprise focusing his research on the cultural and social effects of how music can aid integration in society and the workplace.
Guest Lecturers
Dr. Seán Doherty (composer)
Robert Houlihan (international conductor)
Dr. Thomas Johnston (traditional Irish music expert)
Course Award
A City College’s Professional Diploma Course is a focused, practical programme designed and delivered by an industry practitioner, that consolidates, upskills or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that indicate that you have been trained in a particular area or specific subject matter.
City College Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study here by their organisation.
Corporate Training
In addition to our scheduled Professional Diploma courses, City Colleges can provide bespoke training over 3 – 4 days, please contact Kevin.Coyne@citygroup.ie for further details.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be introduced to and develop skills in:
• Aural Skills
• Music Dictation
• Composition
• Music Theory
• Sight-singing
• Conducting
• History of Music & Cultural Studies
• Irish Traditional Music
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