Department of Orchestral Studies – Jazz

MMus in Jazz Performance

In 2008, DIT introduced a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Performance and since then the course has attracted some of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians.  The course is led by distinguished jazz guitarist, Michael Nielsen.  For further details on the programme of study, please see the MMus in Performance.

What our graduates say:

"The MMus programme was an excellent opportunity to concentrate on specific areas of study in a supportive environment. The Conservatory staff are extremely dedicated, enthusiastic and accommodating and this was a year very well spent."  Cormac Kenevey

"I found the year spent on the Masters in Performance (Jazz) in DIT to be a tremendously worthwhile experience. It allowed me to focus on aspects of my playing and areas of music that I wouldn't have otherwise concentrated on, safe with the knowledge that there was the support structure in place to back it up. The facitilites are top class and the tutors were all seasoned performers and educators. There was also significant influence and cross-education that occurred through working closely with my musical peers on the course in both performance ensembles and academic studies." Cian Boylan

DIT Big Band  

Under the direction of Michael Nielsen, the DIT Big Band features senior music students from DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama as well as some of Ireland’s finest jazz musicians.  In 2009, the DIT Big Band was featured in “A Night of Popular Classics and Big Band Jazz” at the National Concert Hall with notable Irish jazz instrumental luminaries as Sean Óg, Hugh Buckley, Linley Hamilton, Damian Evans, Cian Boylan, and jazz vocalist, Cormac Kenevey.  In 2010, the DIT Big Band performed at the Derry Jazz Festival and the Cork Jazz Festival.  In 2011, the band returned to the Derry Jazz Festival and performed at the Wigan Jazz Club.