Music and the Live Events Industry – BA (Hons)

CAO Points: New for 2026
Location: Athlone
years: 4

Course Code US813
Level 8
Course Type Undergraduate
Study Mode Full Time
Department Midlands Media & Design

Course Overview

Love performing music? Want to build a career doing what you love – on stage, behind the scenes, or running the show?

This unique degree is for music performers who want to turn their talent into a professional career in the live music and events industry. Whether you’re singing at weddings, playing in cover bands, working with live sound for shows, or producing music in a recording studio, this course will give you the real-world skills, musical and business knowledge to best set you up for success.

While you won’t learn to play an instrument here, we’ll help you take your abilities further by offering regular masterclasses, guest lectures, music theory and performance opportunities. You’ll develop your performance skills through group projects, while also learning how to manage events, run your own music business, work with live & studio sound, and maintain the gear that keeps your show on the road.

This degree has been built in collaboration with experienced professionals from the live music and events world – including working musicians, event managers, sound engineers, and production crew. That means everything you learn is grounded in the real needs of the industry today. You’ll gain the practical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills that employers are looking for – and that successful freelancers and performers rely on to build sustainable careers.

Throughout the course, you’ll work on live performance projects that mirror real gigging scenarios, while learning about touring logistics, contracts, and sound systems directly from professionals who use them every day. You’ll attend guest lectures, masterclasses, and networking events with active industry experts, and start building your professional portfolio from year one. By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree – you’ll have real-world experience, industry insight, and a network to launch your career.

Contact Details

Paul Hensey

Programme Co-ordinator

Email: Paul.Hensey@tus.ie

Entry Requirments

Leaving Certificate

Grade H5 in two subjects, plus grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

Musical ability required (e.g., instrument or vocal performance), but formal music grades are not necessary. Audition or portfolio may be requested.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 1

Stagecraft 1.1

Credits: 5

Designed for aspiring professional musicians to develop essential skills for live performance.
Sound Engineering 1.1

Credits: 10

This module will provide an introduction to audio recording.
Music and Instrument Appreciation 1

Credits: 5

Musical characteristics and instruments used in a number of styles of music to gain an understanding of key musical theory.
Video and Animation Creation 1

Credits: 5

This module acknowledges the importance of video and animation creation in the professional Creative Industry.
Communications 1

Credits: 5

This module provides students with the key skills required of an undergraduate to ensure their success during their learning journey.
Stagecraft 1.2

Credits: 10

Exploration of live performance techniques, professionalism, and best practices.
Sound Engineering 1.2

Credits: 10

Practical experiences with creative and technical aspects of Sound Engineering.
Professional Experience 1

Credits: 5

This module provides hands-on industry engagement through live performance opportunities, event participation, or music-related placements.
Music Marketing 1

Credits: 5

This module introduces the student to the principles, concepts and practice of contemporary marketing.

Year 2

Stagecraft 2.1

Credits: 10

Instrument maintenance skills and technical knowledge of musical instruments and the application of music theory.
Sound Engineering 2.1

Credits: 5

Students will be expected to organise and manage an event that includes live sound reinforcement.
Work Experience 2

Credits: 10

An opportunity to build industry experience.
Finance for Music and the Live Events Industry 2

Credits: 5

The fundamentals of financial management skills necessary to succeed in the music industry.
Stagecraft 2.2

Credits: 10

Ensemble skills and collaborative performance, where students will engage in group projects in a health and safety-conscious environment.
Professional Experience 2

Credits: 10

Enhances career readiness in real-world settings.
Communications for Music and Sound Engineering 2

Credits: 5

Understanding of professional communication.
Entrepreneurship for Music and the Live Events Industry 2

Credits: 5

Fundamentals of music entrepreneurship.

Year 3

Stagecraft 3.1

Credits: 10

Stagecraft 3.1 artistic aspects of arranging and orchestration, focusing on interpretation and creativity.
Music Pedagogy 3

Credits: 10

Fundamental principles of pedagogy, focusing on methods for instruction.
Work Placement 3

Credits: 5

A self-directed module providing the opportunity to build industry experience.
Management for Music and the Live Events Industry 3

Credits: 5

The essential business management skills.
Stagecraft 3.2

Credits: 10

This module focusses on the visual and multimedia aspects of a solo or ensemble musical performance.
Professional Experience 3

Credits: 10

Professional autonomy, strategic career development, and critical industry analysis, enabling students to refine their artistic identity.
Social Media Management for Music and the Live Events Industry 3

Credits: 10

Equips students with the skills to effectively build, manage, and grow an online presence as a professional musician.

Year 4

Stagecraft 4

Credits: 10

Students synthesise their knowledge and skills into a comprehensive project.
Capstone Project Development 4

Credits: 10

Development of a capstone project proposal.
Professional Experience 4

Credits: 10

Final year students to take full ownership of their professional development.
Working in the Creative Industry 4

Credits: 10

Equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the professional landscape
Capstone Project 4

Credits: 20

Students are tasked with implementing their capstone project proposal while being supported by a supervisor(s).

What can you do after this course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Music and the Live Events Industry are ready to step straight into the fast-moving world of live music and events. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, you’ll be equipped with the practical skills and industry knowledge to build a career doing what you love.

You could work as a:

Professional Performer – playing live at weddings, events, pubs, or festivals
Touring or Events Musician – working in show bands or tribute acts
Live Sound Engineer – mixing audio for gigs, festivals, or venues
Event Technician – helping run gigs, conferences, or productions
Stage Manager – coordinating live performances and performers
Music Entrepreneur – managing your own music business or brand
Music Coordinator – working with venues, events companies, or production teams
Instrument Technician – maintaining and repairing live performance gear

While this is not an exhaustive list of career opportunities, graduates could also go on to freelance work, start their own bands, or launch their own events, giving them full creative control over their careers.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Additional Information

Learning Environment

You’ll learn in a hands-on, creative environment with access to industry-standard recording studios and live sound facilities. The course is practical and project-based, giving you experience with the same gear, workflows, and performance setups used by professionals in the field.

Work-Based Learning

From early in the course, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in real gigs, events, and venue-based projects – putting your skills into practice in professional settings. These experiences help you build confidence, contacts, and a working understanding of how the live music and events industry really operates.

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