Session Guest: Sandra Joyce, director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick
Faculty Lead: Marie McCarthy

In this session, a number of speakers will talk about their connections with the unique entity that is the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Dr. Marie McCarthy will discuss her relationship with the Academy over many years; Academy Director Dr Sandra Joyce will outline how the Academy was founded and developed; and graduates Dr RAS Mikey Courtney and Katie Geringer will talk about their experiences of being students at the Academy. Dr Joyce will discuss the diverse programs offered, highlighting the fact that they are grounded in local strengths but globally relevant. The vibrant environment will be showcased, focusing on the ethos of the Academy which equally honors all arts practices, as well as performance and academic study. Above all, the Academy focuses on helping all students to find their own voice, whatever the genre of music and dance they are interested in exploring.