Department members: 

Danielle Gorman, Louise Morris & SarahRose Donagh

Department co-ordinator: SarahRose Donagh

Provision of the Subject in the School: 

Music is taught as an optional subject for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate and in Transition Year. Students follow the course set out by the DES.  Junior Cycle music aims to deliver a broad and balanced education in music by providing students with the musical knowledge, understanding, practical competencies and attitudes appropriate to their age, needs, abilities and interests.  Senior Cycle music students engage in a two-year course which offers them performance, music technology, composition and listening opportunities as part of their Leaving Certificate music programme. Transition Year students complete a series of modules designed to expand and broaden their experience and understanding of music such as Film Music and learning to play the Ukulele.  

Facilities/Resources: 

The Music department has its own music room, equipped with an upright piano, an electronic Roland piano, Casio keyboards, microphones, amps, a full drum kit, class set of ukuleles, percussion instruments, Boomwhackers, 7 PC’s with MuseScore and Audacity installed as well as a laptop trolley with 30 laptops, an interactive overhead projector, a visualiser, along with a vast selection of CDs, DVDs, music books etc.   

Teaching and Learning: 

First Year 

All first years use the new first year music book ‘Maestro’ by Nathan Barett.  This book focuses on the new learning outcomes of the new Junior Cycle music specification.  

Second Year 

Second year students continue their Junior Cycle programme with the same book ‘Maestro’.  The second year programme builds on the learning outcomes introduced in first year.  Second year students also complete their CBA1, which is a composition portfolio. 

Third Year 

Third year students complete their music course with a general study on a music topic of their choice.  Composition skills, such as melody and backing chords are refined.  They also complete their CBA2 which is a research project based on their practical. The Junior Cycle students are due to complete their practical examinations around Easter each year.  

Transition Year 

This year’s TY comprised of three class groups.  Each group completed a 10-week course where they learn about musical genres and the impact of these on the music industry, film music and how to play the ukulele.  

Fifth Year 

Fifth year music students started composition work on backing chords, melody development and studied three of their set works Tchaikovsky, Bach and Queen. Irish music and general aural skills were also studied in Fifth year along with technology as an option for performance.  Practical preparation was catered for with classroom performance sessions and critique. 

Sixth Year 

Sixth year music students began with revising composition and worked on this throughout the year.  They completed their final set work, ‘Piano Quartet No. 1’ by Irish composer Gerald Barry, and the remaining areas of the course such as Irish music, aural skills and music technology were revised during the year. Their performance exam was held over the Easter break.  

Assessment: 

Assessment includes 

• Monitoring homework
• Continuous assessment tests in class 
• Practical exams on a regular basis 
• End of term exams (1hour 20mins duration) 

Exam years also have their mocks in January, with mock practicals too. 

Events Co-ordinated by the music department: 

• Open Night – September 2025 – Students from all years performed in Room U14 the music room – for open night. The event was a vibrant showcase of the exceptional musical talent with O’Carolan College, with performers displaying confidence, creativity and a real passion for music. It was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the rich musical life of our school.   

 

• Music Trips- Wicked Cinema Trip 

  As Part of their studies of Musicals – 3rd year students along with their teacher Ms Morris made the trip to Navan Cinema to watch Wicked Part 2. The outing brought their learning to life, giving them the chance to experience the music, drama, and spectacle of musical theatre on the big screen while deepening their appreciation of the genre.  

   

• Album listening party  –Students gathered in the music room to celebrate the release of the new album by Taylor Swift, creating a buzz of excitement as they listened, shared their favourite tracks, and enjoyed the moment together. The atmosphere was lively and full of energy, making it a memorable celebration for everyone involved. 

• Inclusive concert: – The music department along with our Sonas unit organised an inclusive concert in our music room to celebrate Autism Awareness Week. A week all about promoting understanding, respect, and celebrating neurodiversity. We placed great importance on providing meaningful opportunities for all our music students here in O’Carolan College.  

• Kathleen’s Retirement Celebration:  The music department co-ordinated the music for Kathleen’s Retirement Celebration. Our first year music students played the harp on arrival and throughout the celebration. Our fifth year music students also performed a song which they composed themselves during class time with their teacher Ms Gorman. The song was all a true reflection of Kathleens hard work and dedication and care during her time here in O’Carolan College.  

• Talent Show –The Christmas Music Talent Show, hosted by our music department, lit up the stage with festive energy as students from all year groups took to the spotlight to perform on the last day of term. At the heart of it all was DJ Oisín Crahan, the show’s charismatic presenter, whose quick wit and lively banter kept the audience engaged throughout. Blending holiday cheer with a modern DJ vibe, he seamlessly introduced each act, hyped up the crowd, and helped create a warm, celebratory atmosphere that made the event truly unforgettable. 

• Turlough O’Carolan’s Anniversary –To mark the anniversary of Turlough O’Carolan, our music students made a special visit to his statue, where they performed a selection of traditional pieces in celebration of his lasting contribution to Irish music. The performance paid tribute to O’Carolan’s remarkable legacy, bringing his compositions to life in a meaningful and memorable way while honouring his influence on Ireland’s rich musical heritage

• Seachtain na Gaeilge: The Trad Group proudly took part in Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, sharing their music with the wider community. Their performances included a lively concert in Sonas and a special visit to the local primary school in Kilbeg, where they showcased traditional Irish music for younger students. These events highlighted both their musical talent and their commitment to promoting Irish culture and language in an engaging and meaningful way