The Association of Irish Choirs (AOIC) presents its 35th International Choral Conducting Summer School for conductors, teachers, music students, choral enthusiasts and musicians. Applications are now open under the direction of Artistic Director Bernie Sherlock. 

The course will be held from the 10th to the 15th August at the University of Limerick. The only one of its kind in Ireland, this six-day intensive course offers a wealth of expertise from international and Irish tutors, all of whom are active conductors and experienced teachers of conducting. 

Offered at successive levels (subject to availability) courses are designed to meet the needs and abilities of each student - from beginners to experienced, established conductors. Participants at all levels will develop and refine their core conducting skills, with more advanced classes focusing on areas such as rehearsal technique, interpretation, vocal technique, style, and pronunciation of languages.

Based in the beautiful surroundings of the University of Limerick, this year’s summer school will provide the usual intensive instruction in choral conducting given by dynamic and inspirational tutors. As well, a range of workshops will cover essential and inspiring topics including vocal production, repertoire, working with young choirs, and the changing voice. Master classes, daily warm-ups and whole-group choir sessions, and open rehearsals will round off the week to ensure a varied, vibrant and valuable course is enjoyed by all.

The course tutors in 2014 are:

This course offers:

The course will also include workshops and lectures including

Ragnar Rasmussen             The Fundamentals of Conducting Technique

Kevin  O’Carroll                 Rehearsal Technique and Choir Voicing

Pasi Hyokki                         Contemporary Finnish Choral Music

Bernie Sherlock                   Score preparation

Kathleen Tynan                   Developing Good Vocal Technique

Accommodation and catering

AOIC can provide details of suitably located hotel, B&B and self-catering accommodation on request.   On campus, self-catering accommodation is located close to the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.  A number of on-campus catering facilities are open with lunches ranging in price from 5-10 euro.  These are all located within walking distance of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.  Maps and campus information will be provided with your booking information.

Repertoire and application forms are available from http://goo.gl/VUpMI1

There are a very limited number of places available and each level will be strictly limited to 12. To secure your place, complete and return the application form along with the appropriate fee payable by cheque, postal order or bank transfer. 

Course only Fees*

AOIC Member: €350

AOIC Non-Member: €400

Students/Unwaged: €290 (Proof of student/unwaged status required)

*Does not include charges for accommodation. Please contact office for details. 

 Observer/non-active participant fees:

Weekly: €180/150 (students/unwaged)

Daily: €35/25 (students/unwaged)

Workshop : €20 /15

 Please contact AOIC at aoic [at] ul.ie or 061 234823 for further information.