MMus in Conducting
The Master of Music in Conducting is designed to meet the needs of aspiring orchestral and choral conductors. Based at TU Dublin Conservatoire, which has a long tradition in the provision of performing arts education, the programme aims to facilitate the artistic, intellectual and creative development of students by providing an integrated and structured programme with practical conducting experience, underpinned by complementary research and professional studies.
The programme is directed by two of Ireland’s leading conductors, David Brophy and Dr Bernie Sherlock.
The programme is suitable for:
- applicants who have a high level of performance skill and aspire towards a career in choral and/or orchestral conducting
- applicants who have conducting experience in concert or community settings and wish to pursue further study in choral and/or orchestral conducting
Programme Title and Award
Master of Music in Conducting with Classifications of: First Class Honours; Second Class Honours, Upper Division; Second Class Honours, Lower Division; Pass
An exit award of Postgraduate Diploma in Music in Conducting may be conferred upon a candidate completing 60 ECTS.
Programme Aims
The programme is designed to:
- refine and develop individual artistry in a wide range of professionally relevant contexts
- develop creative skills and professional attributes to enable engagement and collaboration in the music profession at the highest levels
- integrate professional level studies in conducting with the development of advanced skills in analysis, research, critical reflection and communication
- provide a programme of study tailored to the needs of the individual student with supporting specialist modules of professional relevance
Programme Structure
|
ECTS |
30 ECTS |
10 ECTS |
15 ECTS |
5 ECTS |
20 ECTS |
10 ECTS |
|
Module |
CONDUCTING STUDIES |
FROM PAGE TO PODIUM |
LECTURE-RECITAL |
ISSUES IN MUSICAL SCHOLARSHIP |
RESEARCH PROJECT |
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO |
- Individual conducting lessons and specialist coaching
- Rehearsal and performance opportunities
- Score analysis
- Interpretation and style
- Historical contexts
- Professional skills
TU388: Full-Time, 1 Year, September to September (90 ECTS)
TU389: Part-Time, 2 Years, September to June each year (90 ECTS)
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the MMus in Conducting 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 conducting potential or be of equivalent professional standing
Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0, with no individual component score lower than 6, will normally be required for entry to the MMus programme.
Admission Procedures
Applicants to the programme must apply online at https://www.tudublin.ie/study/postgraduate/
Applicants should submit the following along with the application:
- CV with details of your performing and conducting experience (repertoire and performances), musical training and other relevant experience/education
- Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in conducting
- A recent example of academic writing in music of between 1000 and 2000 words, for example, an essay or an excerpt from an undergraduate thesis
- Academic Transcripts
- Two references relating to your conducting experience, preferably one from your most recent teacher and one from an industry professional.
Applicants are also asked to submit the following materials directly to the Programme Chair:
- A high-quality video recording with recent recordings of conducting in concert and rehearsal contexts from the orchestra/choir’s viewpoint
Please note, that only eligible candidates will be called to audition and interview.
Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatoire to undertake an audition and interview. The video recording submitted with the application is viewed and only candidates who pass this pre-selection stage will be invited to an audition and interview.
For the audition, candidates are asked to prepare a piano realisation of an excerpt from a string quartet score, and/or an excerpt from a SATB choral score on piano and to be able to sing any part. These test(s) will be sent in advance for preparation.
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programme. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, conducting experience and repertoire, research interests and career plans.
Audition Assessment Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on merit and potential and must convince the audition/interview panel that they have the ability, maturity and potential to cope with the demands of the programme.
Applications will be judged competitively based on the following criteria, assessed by means of the audition, interview and application:
- demonstration of a serious commitment to conducting
- talent and potential as a conductor
- previous conducting experience
- artistic leadership skills and experience
- high level of music performance experience (candidates are expected to have a high level of skill as an instrumentalist or singer)
- quality of previous training and musicianship
- broad knowledge of music, including historical contexts and contemporary practice
- demonstration of academic writing skills
- interpersonal skills for team building and leadership
See current POSTGRADUATE FEES for further details.
Dr Julie Maisel
MMus Programme Chair
E: julie.maisel@tudublin.ie