Berklee in Dublin: DCU Groove School

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Dublin City University

St. Patrick’s Campus
Drumcondra Road, Drumcondra, D9
Dublin, Ireland

Applications for the program are now closed.

The Berklee in Dublin: DCU Groove School program offers you access to the Berklee method of music education, encompassing theory, ear training, improvisation, ensemble performance, and instrumental instruction. During the program, you may also audition to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Berklee in Dublin: DCU Groove School is possible due to a collaboration between Berklee, academic partner Dublin City University, and the Fingal County Council in Ireland. This program is open to Irish citizens.

What is Groove School?

Groove is, to many, the basis of all that we do. It's the feel: the groove moves us. All musicians in contemporary music should have an understanding of groove, style, and the functioning of the backline not only to be better performers, but to be better songwriters and producers. Groove School will give you the insight into how it's done.

The rhythm section in today’s popular genres is the keeper of groove, called the backline: drums, percussion, piano, guitar, vibes, bass, and more. Along with the groove, the backline produces the harmony and reflects the style. Together, they lock into the groove as a unit. They must agree during all of the musical moments of a song. How do they do it?

Groove School is for the frontline, too, the horn players, vocalists, and string players who must lock into the groove and play and sing the style.

Groove School will present sessions in lecture and master class formats. The lecture sessions will enable students to learn about various performance skills and techniques centered on groove and style while the master classes allow students to put them into practice.

Student Eligibility

Eligible candidates must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program and have studied for at least one year on their principal instrument or voice. All candidates must be citizens of Ireland.

Content and Schedule

This workshop will take place on three consecutive days, Wednesday–Friday, and will generally run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There may be additional evening events at the discretion of the program organizers.

Style Labs: The elements of various performance styles will be discussed with a focus on the rhythm section.

Master Classes: Students will discuss and put into practice the skills and techniques discussed in the morning classes. Everyone will be offered the chance to gain performance skills using concepts and materials provided in class or with their own songs. Students will work in a helpful, non-critical environment with faculty who are world-renowned for their knowledge, teaching skills, and empathy.

Special Lectures: These sessions include presentations on topics such as improvisation using various techniques derived from ear training, theoretical concepts, and stylistic considerations.

Sample Schedule

Day 1 Activities
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Program Registration
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Opening Remarks and Orientation
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch Break
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: Master Class/Special Lecture
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Master Class/Special Lecture

Day 2 Activities
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Lecture Topic Sessions
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lecture Topic Sessions
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch Break
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: Master Class/Special Lecture
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Master Class/Special Lecture

Day 3 Activities
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Lecture Topic Sessions
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lecture Topic Sessions
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch Break
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Final Master Class/Showcase and Closing Event

Contact Information

For general information about the program, email bor@berklee.edu or call +1 617-729-8234.

You can also contact Laura Guilfoyle at laura.guilfoyle@dcu.ie or +3531-7006566, or Ronan Guilfoyle at ronan.guilfoyle@dcu.ie.