Applications

When do the TY Programmes take place?

The programmes take place in January & February each year. More information will be announced early October in the year previous. Please check out our general TY Programme Information page here.

 

When do applications for the TY Programmes open/close?
Applications will be open from October 1st - October 31st each year for placements in the following January/February.

When will I hear if my application is successful?
Placement offers will be sent out from November 13th. Students will need to accept their placement offer by November 27th. Once students have accepted, our fees office will issue a payment invoice. This will need to be paid by December 11th.

How do I apply?
Applications must be made online via our Applications Portal on Classter. This can be accessed through the MTU Cork School of Music website. Applications received via email will not be accepted.

 

I made a mistake on my application / forgot to include something / not sure if the form submitted correctly! What should I do?
Please email before the closing date to have your record updated. Unfortunately requests to updated/edit existing applications cannot be accepted after the closing date of 31st of October. Contact ciara.olearyfitzpatrick@mtu.ie.

 

I am a fifth-year student and was not able to participate in the TY Programmes last year. Can I still apply?
Yes, but you should seek permission from your school and parents before applying.

 

Can I submit a late application?
No, we are unable to process any late applications.

 

Can I apply for more than one programme?

• Applying for Both Groups in the Same Strand: You may apply for both Group 1 and Group 2, but you will only be offered one place within that strand. Please indicate your group preference in Classter.
  • Exception: If you wish to attend the Popular Music strand twice on different instruments (e.g., Group 1 on Electric Guitar and Group 2 on Vocals), you can be offered places in both groups.
• Applying Across Different Strands: If you apply for multiple strands that take place on different dates, you can be offered places in all. However, if you apply for different strands running on the same dates, please rank them in order of preference in Classter, as you can only attend one.

 

Can I attend for part of a programme?
No. Placement offers are made on the understanding that students commit to the full duration of the programme.

 

Is it possible to do work experience at MTU Cork School of Music at other times during the year?
Unfortunately not. We are only able to accommodate transition year students during the designated programme times.

 

What do you mean by 'standard orchestral instruments'?
These are the instruments generally found in a symphonic orchestra: strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwind (flute/piccolo, oboe/cor anglais, clarinet, bassoon), brass (french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba) and percussion (timpani, pitched and unpitched percussion). We also accept applications for Saxophone, Euphonium and Baritone Horn. We unfortunately do not provide placements for classical piano in our TY programmes.

 

Are there fees?
If a placement offer is made, a non-refundable fee must be paid in advance to secure your place. For the 2027 programmes, this is €100 (Symphony Orchestra & Music Technology) and €50 (all other programmes).

I have another question. Who can I contact for further information?
Please email Ciara O'Leary Fitzpatrick : ciara.olearyfitzpatrick@mtu.ie.

 

Logistics

Are the programmes in-person or virtual?
All of our TY Programmes have been designed to be delivered in-person and on-site at MTU Cork School of Music. We are unable to facilitate virtual or remote participation.

 

Where is MTU Cork School of Music?
The School is situated on Union Quay, in the centre of Cork City. The nearest bus stop for local and regional services is Cork City Hall. The main bus station on Parnell Place is approximately five minutes walk away; the train station (Kent Station) is approximately fifteen minutes walk away.

 

Do you provide accommodation?
No, none of our programmes are residential courses. 

 

Is there somewhere to eat nearby?
Yes, the in-house Offquay Café serves hot food, sandwiches, salads and tea/coffee (please note payment is by card only; no cash accepted). Alternatively, a number of small cafés and restaurants are located nearby and within easy walking distance.

 

Can I borrow an instrument?
Participants on the Irish Traditional Music, Popular Music and Symphony Orchestra programmes are expected to bring their own instruments with the exception of the following:

• Irish Traditional Music: piano.
• Popular Music: keyboard/piano, drums.
• Symphony Orchestra: percussion.

 

Do I need to bring an amp?
Electric guitarists and bassists on the Popular Music programme will be provided with suitable amplification so there will be no need to bring personal amps.

 

Where can I leave my instrument?
Instruments remain the responsibility of participants. MTU Cork School of Music is unable to store personal instruments overnight.

 

Will music / scripts be provided?
Yes. In some cases, advance digital copies will also be made available to participants.