Choral Studies

Entry requirements

Recognised honours primary degree (Level 8) in Music, or in which Music is a subject, with a minimum of Second Class Honours.

OR

Recognised honours primary degree (Level 8) in another discipline, with supporting evidence of competence in Music, such as Grade 8/Diploma in instrumental/vocal studies, Grade 5 theory (ABRSM), and vocal/choral experience appropriate to commencing a Level 9 programme.

OR

Practitioners in the fields of conducting composition and choral practice who do not meet these prerequisites will be invited to submit a curriculum vitae and details of competence in music (as above) and may be asked to participate in an interview.

In the case of international applicants, having educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above.

International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Months of entry

September

Course content

On the MA in Choral Studies, students will acquire advanced skills in conducting, composing and ensemble singing while also understanding the relationship between cultural policy, public bodies and enterprise in the arts.

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

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, musical and research expertise to underpin their activities in conducting, composing and ensemble singing, and will facilitate a deep understanding of the relationship between cultural policy, public bodies and enterprise in the arts.