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Music (Choral Conducting pathway) at University of Birmingham - UCAS

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Course summary

Are you a relatively experienced conductor with a burning passion to make conducting your livelihood? Our unique MA programme in Choral Conducting is directed by Professor Simon Halsey CBE and is in association with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its internationally renowned choruses and conductors. It gives students the opportunities to observe, conduct and sing every week. The University of Birmingham is home to one of the most vibrant and exciting Music departments in the world. We are an international leader in research and our programme embodies the latest cutting-edge developments in the practice and study of music. The programme will allow you to have significant directed podium time with University ensembles and beyond. This includes leading weekly rehearsals with University Camerata, singing in Birmingham University Singers, singing in the CBSO Chorus, and acting as assistant conductor for up to five University choirs (additional podium time will be available at the discretion of the Director of Choral Activities).

Modules

You will study four core modules and two optional modules before completing your Choral Conducting Major Project. Core modules include: Choral Conducting 1; Choral Conducting 2; British Music in Performance; Music Employability


Entry requirements

We usually ask for a good Honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in Music or a related subject with a substantial musical component. Degrees in other subjects will be considered where candidates have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. Your application should include a personal statement of approximately 5,000 characters. You should use your personal statement to explain why you are interested in studying this programme. In order to expedite processing, please clearly state the pathway to which you are applying within the first paragraph of your personal statement. For the Choral Conducting pathway, please also ensure that you are applying to the 'MA Music (with Performance)'. All prospective students must also provide audition materials. Students from the United Kingdom are expected to audition in person, where possible. If you are unable to arrange an audition in person or are located overseas, you should submit video evidence to support your application. Please submit two videos - one video in a rehearsal setting and one of a recent public performance. Videos should be submitted online via YouTube/Youku (preferred option) or Dropbox. Please adhere to the following guidelines for both videos: Each video should be 10 minutes in duration The camera should be facing you as conductor with your upper body and facial expressions visible You should show contrasting repertoire from the Western Classical Tradition Where the audition is not taking place in person, videos should be submitted at the time of making your application, or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If they are not provided within the stated timeframe your application may be declined.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding

Sponsorship information

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.

Music (Choral Conducting pathway) at University of Birmingham - UCAS