PhD student wanted to compose and perform in Ireland and Java, Indonesia
Programme Summary
This is an opportunity for a PhD student to collaborate with professional performers and composers from Ireland and Indonesia, to compose and perform an original musical work fusing traditional and contemporary musical influences from both cultures.
The successful applicant will join the lead artists in performing the completed work in both countries. The initial stages of the work will take place in the UCD Gamelan Room, home to UCD's unique collection of Indonesian percussion instruments. The lead artists on this project will be Dr. Peter Moran (UCD Assistant Professor of Composition & Performance, and Director of the UCD Gamelan Orchestra), Mark Redmond (the renowned Irish uillean piper), and Anon Suneko (Lecturer in the Indonesian Institute for the Arts, composer, and director of Indonesia's Omah Gamelan).
Applicants
Applicants must have music composition or performance as a major research interest, and must play at least one instrument to at least a semi-professional standard. Other desirable skills include experience with audio and video editing software and with music notation software.
Support and Training
The successful applicant will receive specialised training in the theory and performance practise of Indonesian gamelan music and Irish traditional music, and in the notation system of gamelan music. They must be available to join the UCD Gamelan Orchestra for regular rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 5-7pm in the autumn and spring terms.
As well as co-creating the work, the successful applicant will help to document the creation of this new work through the use of audio and video editing software, and music notation software. If they do not have previous experience with such software, they will receive additional guidance in this. Finally, the successful applicant will join the lead artists in recording and performing the completed work in Dublin and in Java. To prepare for this, they will receive additional support and guidance in Indonesian language and culture. This project will account for 10 ECTS points towards your overall PhD.
Estimated Schedule
- 17-31 August 2025: Two weeks composing for Irish and Indonesian musical instruments, working in collaboration with Irish and Indonesian artists in UCD.
- 22 Nov - 6 Dec 2025: Two weeks rehearsing, recording, and performing the completed work with musicians in Java, Indonesia
- April 2026: 2 weeks rehearsing, recording and performing the completed work with UCD students in Dublin.
Application Process
To apply for this opportunity, email erasmusicm@ucd.ie and peter.moran@ucd.ie and provide the following:
- A short summary of your PhD research
- A 300-word description of how your PhD will benefit from this project
- A professional CV highlighting your musical experience
- A video demonstration of your music performance skills
The deadline for applications is 5pm on 30 June 2025.
What funding would I receive?
The selected PhD student will receive an Erasmus+ :
1. A travel grant of €1,735 to cover the cost of return flights from Dublin to Java, Indonesia
2. A daily grant of €79 per day to cover the cost of your food, accommodation and other expenses while in Indonesia
This opportunity is funded through the Erasmus+ Key Action 171. Erasmus+ Key Action KA171 (also known as International Credit Mobility) is a strand of the Erasmus+ programme that supports academic mobility of staff and students between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Erasmus+ programme countries and the east of Europe as well as the rest of the world.
Further information
Erasmus+ Key Action 171 (also known as International Credit Mobility) is a strand of the Erasmus+ programme that enables staff and students to undertake mobility periods in non-Erasmus programme countries (largely countries outside of Europe and in the East of Europe)
Read about the experience of UCD staff and students who have undertaken Erasmus+ KA171 mobilities in Kenya, Mozambique and New Zealand.
For any questions, please contact (opens in a new window)erasmusicm@ucd.ie.