Conducting Option
Degree: Master of Music in Literature and Performance, Choral or Instrumental Conducting Major
About the Program
The graduate conducting option at the University of Western Ontario features a balance between academic and performance studies with opportunities for individualization depending upon each student’s specific interests and needs.
Students, who come from a variety of musical backgrounds and professional experiences, have a unique opportunity to develop skills that will enhance their professional careers as conductors and music educators. The program is designed to help them expand their conducting skills, rehearsal techniques, knowledge of literature and style, and overall musicianship.
Highlights of the program include:
- Private study in conducting with distinguished faculty conductors
- Hands-on conducting experience with university ensembles
- Seminars in choral and instrumental literature and style
- The opportunity to participate in music education, music history, and music theory seminars
- Private study on a student’s major instrument (with permission of the Department Chair)
- The option to conduct the final recital with an ensemble either on or off campus. For example, if a student already conducts an off-campus choir or instrumental ensemble, it may be possible to arrange for the final recital to be performed with that group.
Faculty
Graduate conducting students have the opportunity to study with more than one conductor during their program. In addition to working with Western’s outstanding faculty member/conductors such as Geoffrey Moull, Colleen Richardson, Gary McCumber, Victoria Meredith, and Gerald Neufeld, students are offered opportunities to learn from a variety of visiting professional conductors and other musicians.
Funding & Contact Information
All graduate students in the Faculty of Music are eligible for a variety of internal and external financial awards, including teaching assistantships. For more information about graduate studies, funding, or to obtain application forms, contact:
Shelly Koster
Graduate Program Assistant
Don Wright Faculty of Music
Talbot College Rm 216
University of Western Ontario
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario N6A 3K7
Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 85354
E-mail: skoster@uwo.ca
Degree Requirements
Visit Graduate Courses for descriptions of the courses outlined below.
- 2 recitals: 9511, 9588
- 3 half-course seminars in performance studies/ research: 9593, 9594, and one of 9595, 9531, 9581, 9583, 9586, 9503, or 9504
- 3 half-courses in applied music (choral or instrumental conducting): 9509, 9584, 9585
- Ensemble (2 terms): 9528
- 3 other half-courses, as follows: 9574 (Choral Seminar I), 9575 (Choral Seminar II), and one graduate music elective; or 9516 (Instrumental Seminar I), 9517 (Instrumental Seminar II) and one graduate music elective.*
*with the permission of the program advisor and the Associate Dean, graduate seminars in other areas may be substituted
Description of Recitals
Recital 1 (9511) will be comprised of conducting selections of repertoire on more than one concert with a Don Wright Faculty of Music ensemble, recital repertoire and duration to be approved by program supervisor.
Recital II (9588) is a full program (with a minimum of 50 minutes duration) conducted by the student. This performance may take place on or off campus and may employ an ensemble from within or outside of the Faculty of Music.
Prerequisites
Applicants should hold an honours Bachelor's degree in Music and are expected to have experience conducting choirs or instrumental ensembles.
Applications
In addition to all materials required for Graduate Admission, applicants to the Conducting program are required to submit a face-to-the-camera, video recording (DVD) of the applicant conducting a rehearsal and interacting with an ensemble he or she regularly conducts and a brief résumé of conducting experience.
The musical portion of the tape should be approximately 20 minutes in length and include literature of the applicant’s choice. Selections may be incomplete, and a variety of different styles is encouraged.
An example of the applicant conducting in performance is desirable but not required.
The videotape should also include the applicant verbally speaking about the following:
- Speak briefly about yourself and your musical background;
- Describe the conductor’s role in rehearsal and in concert; and
- Describe your goals in pursuing graduate studies in conducting.
Your name, address, telephone, e-mail, the names of the works and movements, and the degree program to which you are applying should be clearly indicated on the tape so that it can easily be identified. The application should be accompanied by sample programs of concerts conducted.
Because of the hands-on nature of the program, enrolment is limited and selective. Applicants who are considered for admission to the program will be invited to the University of Western Ontario for an interview.
Audition videotapes and accompanying materials should be received by the
Don Wright Faculty of Music no later than the Graduate Applications Due Date [see How and When to Apply].
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