Music - Conducting - Grangegorman

What is... Music (Conducting)?
The course aims to provide a postgraduate qualification in performance for:
• applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree in music with a high level of performance and aspire towards a professional career in performance
• applicants who have professional performing experience and wish to pursue further study in their chosen area

Aims:
The course is designed to:
• refine and develop individual performance artistry as a conductor in a wide range of solo and ensemble contexts.
• develop creative skills and professional attitudes to enable engagement and collaboration in the music-making process to meet the demands of the performing profession at the highest levels.
• integrate professional level performance studies with the development of advanced skills in analytical and research skills, critical reflection and communication, with particular emphasis on performance practice.
• provide a programme of study tailored to the needs of the individual student, with supporting specialist modules of professional relevance and career preparation.

The structure of the programme has been redesigned around 4 main elements: Performance Studies, Research Studies, Discipline Specific Skills and Employability Skills. However, the integration of the knowledge, understanding and competencies of these elements is central to the ethos of the programme.

Minimum Entry Requirements?
Applicants will normally have:
• an honours degree (minimum 2.2) in music performance, or
• an honours degree in music (minimum 2.2) with a strong specialism in performance, or
• an equivalent qualification and have demonstrated the necessary performing potential or be of equivalent professional standing

Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Applicants should submit the following along with the application:
• CV with details of your performing experience (repertoire and performances) musical training and other relevant experience/education
• Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in music performance
• A recent example of academic writing in music, for example, an academic essay or scholarly programme notes
• Academic Transcripts
• Two references relating to your music experience, preferably one from your most recent teacher and one from an industry professional

In addition to general MMus (Performance) entrance requirements, conducting applicants are asked to submit the following materials directly to the MMus Programme Chair:
• An independently verified high quality DVD/mp3 file DVD with recent recordings of conducting in concert and rehearsal contexts from the orchestra/choir's viewpoint
• Two references relating to your conducting experience

Please note, that only eligible candidates will be called to audition and interview. Places on the MMus (Conducting) pathway are limited to 2 students per year.

Audition and Interview
The video recording submitted with the application is viewed and only candidates who pass this pre-selection stage will be in invited to an audition and interview.

Audition:
You are requested to prepare a piano realisation of either an excerpt from a string quartet score, or an excerpt from a SATB choral score on piano and to be able to sing any part. This test will be sent in advance for preparation.

Interview:
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programmed. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, performance experience and repertoire, research interests and career plans.

Applications for this course are now open.

Standard Entry: 2 years Advanced Entry
Full Time: 1 year Advanced Entry
Part Time: 2 years

Mode of Study: Full Time
Method of Delivery: Classroom

Commencement Date: 01/09/2020.

What are my career opportunities?
The MMus (Conducting) course is designed to prepare you for a future career as a conductor in the music industry. Graduates of the course have pursued careers as orchestral and choral conductors in professional, educational and community contexts, and in music education and leadership roles. There are also opportunities for further study at the Conservatoire through our DMus in Performance or PhD programmes.