Laura Molloy discusses the different forms of music education
Music can be taught in different ways. Some learn in school while others wait for college. Many will learn an instrument via Youtube or TikTok. Others will never learn at all.
For Irish students, their music education often begins in the classroom. Students can study music both at Junior Cycle and for their Leaving Cert. Although, the Leaving Cert course has been criticised for not preparing students for higher education.
The Leaving Cert curriculum involves a practical assessment which is worth 50% of the overall grade. This is a higher allocation than any of the other subject projects or language orals. This is likely why music remains such a popular subject among students. With so much emphasis on memory and long written examinations in the Leaving Cert, it is no surprise students would opt for a subject that offers more practical work.
Of course academics are not the only way to learn music and for many artists, academics is not where they developed their talent. It’s rare you discover a new artist and Google them to see they’ve studied a music degree.
One Direction, one of the biggest boy bands in the world, did not receive formal music education with the exception of their member Liam Payne. Instead, the five members auditioned on the talent show The XFactor, and were signed to Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Records, following their success on the show.
The success of artists who learn on the job rather than in a classroom raises the question if formal music education still has benefits.
I spoke to singer Megan Byrne. Byrne works as a music teacher in the evenings and musical director and performer during the day, after having studied at BIMM Music Institute Dublin. She is also an SNA at Woodbrook College.
When asked how she felt about the Leaving Cert course, Byrne said,
“The Leaving Certificate Music subject prepared me for college and beyond. Studying music for the Leaving Certificate gave me a strong foundation for pursuing music at college level. The subject was not only about performance and theory, but also about developing discipline, creativity, and an appreciation for how music connects people. The structure of the course—balancing practical performance, composition, and listening—mirrored the kind of work required in higher education, where versatility and critical engagement with music are essential. It prepared me to approach music academically, while still nurturing my passion for performance and expression.”
Byrne also discussed the importance of keeping music in the education system. She told OTwo that her “understanding became even more meaningful through” her “work with children with special needs”. She continued, “I have seen first-hand how music can help them navigate daily life—providing comfort, building confidence, and creating moments of connection that words alone cannot achieve. Whether through rhythm, song, or simply listening, music allows children to engage with the world in unique and empowering ways”.
Byrne believes music needs to be promoted more widely in schools, colleges, and the community. For her, “it is not just an academic subject or an art form—it is a life skill and a universal language that supports wellbeing, inclusion, and human connection”.
She explained how music has many benefits such as “teaching patience, focus, and emotional awareness, while also opening doors to collaboration and community”.
While studying music is certainly of benefit if you want to teach or pursue a career in academics, it is not essential to become an artist. That said, music has so many benefits outside of qualifications. Being exposed to different genres and artists can teach a person about themselves and help to regulate emotions.
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