It is our policy to encourage ensemble music making and there are numerous College ensembles in which CCMC students can participate for free. In addition to our wind and string groups, there is a Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band and Piano Duets available. The repertoire is varied including classical works, film music, and popular pieces. In the past, the CCMC ensembles and College orchestra have joined forces with other youth orchestras from around Ireland to perform in venues such as Triskel Christchurch, Holy Trinity Church, City Hall, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork, and in the National Concert Hall and the Helix Theatre in Dublin, and on local radio.

Places in ensembles are subject to students being enrolled for tuition at CCMC and commitment to attend rehearsals and performances.   Rehearsals for these take place weekly/every two weeks starting from the end of October every year.  A full schedule of dates for these rehearsals will be available from the office mid-September. The culmination of these rehearsals is our annual Ensembles Concert which is held in early February which highlights our ensemble groups and Music Bug Club performers. The experience of playing in an ensemble is invaluable and students are strongly encouraged to participate. External instrumental students are welcome to join the ensembles subject to availability and a small fee.

An essential part of learning to play an instrument is taking part in concerts and other events.  At CCMC we encourage students to participate in many concerts throughout the year. Not only does it give parents the opportunity to hear the progress that has been made by their child during lessons but it also builds confidence in each student, a confidence that grows with each concert performance. Concerts that are held during the year include Christmas concerts in each centre, the ensemble concerts in February and end of year concerts in each centre. While participation in these is by no means compulsory, we actively promote these events at the College and encourage students to take part. The nervous tension that often builds before a performance at one of these events quickly dissipates into happiness and delight at achieving another string to their bow!