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.

 

How do I apply?
Applications must be made online 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.  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?
Yes, though you will have to submit separate applications for each programme. Please be aware that some programmes may run concurrently or overlap so some combinations may not be possible.

 

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 unfortunately do not provide placements for classical piano in out 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 2025 programmes, this is €100 (Symphony Orchestra) and €50 (all other programmes).

 

Is there a music technology TY Programme?
We do not have a specific TY Programme for Music Technology, however we have a weekly music tech class for teens that is suitable for 4th, 5th and 6th years in secondary school. Please see information on that course here. Note, applications for this course may not be open all year round.

 

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.