Knowing The Score
"Knowing The Score" is a collaboration with The Lir Academy to offer an immersive Score Reading Course for second-year Technical Production students.
This intensive course equips aspiring theatre professionals with essential skills for following and interpreting musical scores in live productions—a critical skill for those entering the industry.
Building on the success of INO’s previous online course Knowing the Score, which was developed for arts practitioners during the Covid pandemic, this in-person course represents a vital step in preparing students for real-world challenges. The course offers hands-on experience in reading scores, led by INO's Stage Managers Paula Tierney, Anne Kyle and conductor Elaine Kelly.
Course Overview
Students delve into a variety of musical works, spanning from early Baroque composers like Handel to more modern composers such as Bernstein and Sondheim. The curriculum covers everything from navigating a rehearsal period to mastering the art of calling an opera performance, preparing students for the intricacies of score reading in a live production environment.
Participants have consistently praised the course for its clarity and practical application:
“Loved this course, found it so helpful in demystifying musical scores. Both Elaine and Paula were extremely helpful and patient. I don't feel as daunted by the prospect of calling to a score. I highly recommend this course” - Course Participant
“This course gave me the confidence to pick up a score and follow it. I learned so much and had lots of fun. I no longer feel intimidated by the little black dots on a page” - Course Participant
This partnership marks the first collaboration between Irish National Opera and The Lir Academy. Eve D’Alton, Director of Technical Training and Facilities Management at The Lir, emphasises the significance of this initiative:
“Score reading has become an essential skill for almost every working theatre professional today and a key to unlocking multiple careers across a range of areas in the industry. Having Irish National Opera work so closely with our students is a privilege. The mentorship provided by Ireland’s finest opera practitioners is an unparalleled opportunity” - Eve D’Alton (Director of Technical Training & Facilities Management at The Lir)
Why Score Reading Matters
For theatre professionals, the ability to follow a score during a live production is a critical skill. Whether working as a stage manager, director, or in a technical capacity, understanding the nuances of a score can greatly enhance a production's success. This course not only helps students gain confidence but also broadens their career opportunities in various areas of the performing arts.
Future Opportunities
The Score Reading Course at The Lir Academy is a recurring opportunity for technical production students to learn from Ireland's leading opera professionals. As the collaboration between Irish National Opera and The Lir continues, future students can look forward to building on this unique and essential foundation for their careers in the performing arts industry.
For more information on upcoming courses, please visit The Lir Academy's website.