Dear Editor,

Sean O’Broin’s article in the last issue of JMI, concerning the possibility of a third-level degree in jazz through the Open University, is very welcome. Anything which allows a greater choice for music students in terms of third level study, has to be of benefit to the overall music education situation in Ireland.

Having said that, I can foresee difficulties in studying jazz in this way. Jazz is essentially an ensemble music, and can really only be studied effectively through the ensemble format. This can really only be addressed through the foundation of a fully-fledged jazz degree programme at an Irish third-level institution.

Nevertheless, Sean O’Broin’s article has opened up an interesting avenue of investigation, and is a welcome addition to the debate on how we can attain a more comprehensive music education in Ireland.

Ronan Guilfoyle
Dublin