DCU's MA in Choral Studies is the first programme of its kind in Ireland. It offers an unrivalled opportunity to engage with the interpretation of choral repertoire from historical and contemporary contexts, and to create and perform new music under expert guidance.
In this programme, you will explore:
1.Choral conducting and choir leadership
2.Composing for choirs
3.Historical approaches to choral music
4.Cultural policy and the arts sector
Programme Aims and Objectives
Through this programme, students will acquire an advanced level of knowledge, understanding, and skills in the areas of historically informed choral interpretation, composition for choirs, leadership in choral performance and vocal technique, stylistic ensemble singing, editing, analytical score preparation, and the arts sector in Ireland.
The programme will equip students with the academic, critical, stylistic, technical, and research expertise to underpin their activities in conducting, composing, and ensemble singing, as well as to facilitate a deep understanding of the relationship between cultural policy, public bodies, and enterprise in the arts.
Programme
The programme is offered part-time over two years. Lectures take place in Drumcondra on Monday evenings and on one Saturday per semester.
Students must successfully complete six core taught modules:
•Conducting, Interpretation and Style
•Choral Music: Historical and Analytical Approaches
•Composition for Voices
•Creative Approaches to Text
•Choral Contexts: National Infrastructure for the Arts
•Choral Leadership
In addition, students complete a research module, which includes a series of seminars on research methodologies and a minor thesis on choral studies or a portfolio of compositions/arrangements.
Why DCU
DCU is a vibrant hub of choral and compositional activity. DCU music staff include internationally recognised and award-winning experts in the field of choral studies. The MA in Choral Studies is based in DCU's School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music, where students will find a dynamic, supportive, research-led learning environment with a strong commitment to social and cultural engagement, and creative approaches to teaching that promote independent, scholarly, critical thinking.
Why Do This Programme?
The MA in Choral Studies combines the study of choral conducting and composition within one programme. Students will gain valuable experience in the use of conducting gesture as a representation of musical style and expression, and in the creation of new music for choral ensembles, informed by historical practice, scholarly literature, and the latest developments in compositional techniques.
Students will acquire a deep understanding of stylistic and contextual influences on performance and composition, and will receive regular feedback in choir leadership, ensemble singing, and creative work.