Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre (TTCT) Teacher Training
Teacher training with Comhaltas is principally about sharing experiences as educators. It enhances one’s abilities to communicate and transmit with confidence the gift of learning and continues to develop high quality teaching standards by musical education and appreciation. We have two teacher training courses. The TTCT Preparatory Course and the TTCT.
The TTCT is a one week long residential course held in Monkstown Co. Dublin. Founded in 1980, the Comhaltas TTCT (Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre) is specifically designed to equip teachers of Irish traditional music with the skills to effectively provide music education in a wide variety of settings. With over 800 TTCT graduates worldwide, the course provides a unique opportunity for both aspiring and experienced teachers to further enhance their skills and methodology, to ensure that the best possible tuition is afforded to students of Irish traditional music at all stages of learning and development.
Preparatory TTCT
The Preparatory TTCT is designed to give foundation skills in teaching Irish traditional music to potential applicants who may not yet have acquired the experience necessary for the TTCT course. This one day course is open to everyone over the age of 16 and is delivered in person at various locations as well as online.
History of TTCT
At CCE’s inaugural meeting in 1951, it was proposed that a structured training course be designed to equip teachers with the skills required to teach Irish traditional music to pupils from elementary levels of ability to the highest standards of performance. It was generally accepted that much had been achieved in the years that followed.
Attendances at Fleadheanna Cheoil and summer schools gained momentum. With increasing numbers attending classes much was expected from both teachers and students alike. As time moved on, it became apparent that a more unified and structured approach was necessary. Also, there was a realisation that a recognised teaching qualification would further enhance the status of the teacher’s role within Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. In the late 1970’s, after much discussion and deliberation it was deemed appropriate that the proposal, first mooted in Mullingar, be realised.
In 1980, the well-known and much respected music inspector with the Department of Education and Science, Michéal Ó hEidhin (1938-2012) a visionary of his time, together with Séan Ó Drisceoil from Newry as co-assessor, were commissioned by CCÉ to design and direct the Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre (TTCT) with Michéal as its Director. Martin Power, an educator and composer, later took over the mantle of Director. He worked with two co-assessors, Kathleen Nesbitt, Ceannaire Coiste Oideachais and Paddy Ryan, Ceannaire Coiste Cheoil. Together they built on and developed the legacy left by Michéal and Séan. We are forever indebted to them all. Majella Bartley is the current Director.
Course content
The course is designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills to work in conjunction with local CCÉ branches, schools, both primary and secondary, third level institutions and relevant organisations to deliver musical education to the highest level.
Lectures on the historical, theoretical and practical aspects of Irish traditional music are provided.
Supervised Teaching Tutorials:
There are also supervised teaching tutorials. Teaching sessions are undertaken by the candidates. Candidates have the opportunity of teaching pupils at beginners, improvers and advanced levels. Candidates are assessed on their methodology regarding: –
- Assessment of Students
- Communication and Transmission Skills
- Class Planning
- Class Management
- Research and sourcing of suitable teaching material in the Irish traditional idiom appropriate to the required standards.
Subject content of lectures includes:
- Instrumental Techniques
- Teaching Methodology
- Melodic and Rhythmic Variations
- Aural Development
- Literacy
- Choice of Repertoire
- Sources of Traditional Music (Printed and Recorded)
- Use of Modes in Traditional Irish Music
- Class Preparation and Organisation
- Ornamentation
- Accompaniment
- Performance Production
- Slow Airs
- Less Common Musical Forms
- Scrúdú Ceol Tire (SCT) syllabus as a teaching aid
- Special Educational Needs
- Health and Safety
- Child Protection
- Data Protection
‘The courses offered through the lectures will be invaluable and I felt that all modules were delivered in a clear and practical way. Having these resources to take away means that I as a teacher of Irish traditional music continue to learn going forward.’
Rachel Duffy
Course Assessment
Candidates are assessed by:
- Full and punctual attendance at all activities of the course is an essential requirement for the awarding of the diploma.
- The teaching abilities of candidates are assessed at each teaching session.
- The candidates’ class preparation, teaching methodology, personal approach, ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with pupils, and progress from session to session are assessed.
- Candidates have both immediate and continuous opportunities to discuss these matters with the Course Tutors, Assessors and Director.
- The Tutors discuss all aspects of the candidates’ work with the Course Assessors and Course Director daily. Such continuous assessment leads to final decisions on the level of awards made at the conclusion of the course.
Teaching and Teaching Notes
- Candidates will be assessed on their teaching practice.
- Candidates are required to keep full written records of lesson plans, pupils’ progress reports and personal assessment of teaching undertaken.
- This is an integral part of the process. The daily reports are assessed by the Course Assessors and marks awarded for content and layout.
Written Examination
- Section 1 – Aural:
Candidates listen to prepared recordings and answer a range of questions related to the examples. - Section 2 – Characteristics of Irish traditional music:
Candidates answer questions pertaining to the history, regional styles, and construction of Irish traditional music. - Section 3 – Teaching Methodology:
- Candidates answer specific questions pertaining to the teaching of their instrument with reference to class methodology and planning, together with the choice of suitable repertoire for class groupings.
Admission Requirements
General
The application form with CV attached must be completed and sent to CCÉ before audition/interview.
Traditional musicians with attested skills as teachers, who display a competent standard of technique and style, with a minimum of 100 verified hours of teaching experience (from beginners to advanced levels) are accepted for entry to the course.
Selection for the course is by means of a practical audition and interview.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be 20 years or over
Audition
Each candidate who wishes to be selected for the course must perform a 10/15-minute programme of Irish traditional music, to include airs and a varied selection of dance melodies from their repertoire.
The choice of programme must be well balanced and display a diversity of musical skills and technical abilities.
In addition, there must be an obvious appreciation of the personal and regional style and musicality. Also, the candidate must display a considerable ability to project and communicate to the listener.
Interview
An assessment of the applicant’s suitability as a music teacher is made by means of a personal interview with members of the tutorial staff, with regards to the following: –
- background
- teaching experience
- teaching methods
- experience as a performer
- personal suitability
Learning Outcomes
As previously stated, the aims of the course since 1980 are to continue to develop high quality teaching standards through musical education and appreciation.
Responses from candidates, thus far, have been highly positive in respect of the progressive step by step approach employed by the TTCT team. The TTCT experience broadens the mind of the candidates and explores avenues of awareness to include:
- Dialogue
- Discussions and advice given on the teaching of students at all stages of ability.
- Methodologies encouraging teachers to communicate more effectively, efficiently and successfully.
- Modules on the historical, theoretical, instrumental and practical aspects, appropriate to students’ development in Irish traditional music at all levels.
- The relevance of oral transmission and ear training.
- Assessment of teaching tutorials and evaluation.
- Class planning and class management, thus creating an ideal teaching environment.