Choral Conducting

Entry requirements

Entry is by audition, and you should be able to demonstrate a level of performance ability appropriate for professional training. Minimum entry requirements usually include a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification. Candidates who have been studying or working in another field will be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

With our innovative master’s programme offering a wide range of conducting experience, you’ll develop all the stylistic, technical and artistic skills you need to thrive in an ever-changing arts industry.

Your training will encompass a broad selection of learning approaches that will help you to take on the role of conductor with confidence. It centres on three areas that underpin your personal and professional growth: creative artistry, research and reflection, and industry and innovation.

Throughout your course, you’ll work with singers in weekly choral conducting classes, participate in specialist vocal tuition and get numerous and varied opportunities to conduct and direct.

Our strong ties with industry means you’ll be able to regularly observe conductors in a professional setting – such as the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales and Welsh National Opera – and potentially discuss issues of technique and repertoire with them.

In our inspiring learning environment, you’ll have the freedom to explore your creative interests, breaking down barriers with innovative approaches to your craft as you develop mature musical judgement and authority.

Why study this course?

• Your principal study – which is a mix of one-to-one and group tuition – involves individual conducting technique lessons, choral conducting classes with singers and choral repertoire workshop sessions. Your training isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach – you can diversify the types of ensemble and styles of repertoire that you work with, helping you to shape your study around your interests and career ambitions.
• Our impressive list of tutors includes renowned instrumental and vocal soloists and chamber musicians, distinguished coaches, prominent composers, conductors and creative artists in a range of genres – plus principal players in major orchestras and ensembles. They offer you not only first-rate teaching, but mentorship and networking opportunities as well.
• You can take part in masterclass sessions with internationally renowned choral directors and conductors. These professionals at the top of their field can offer guidance in driving your skills and abilities to the highest level.
• Practical work with College-based and other choral groups is a key component of your study. You’ll get a variety of opportunities to direct College ensembles, rehearsals and productions – including the College chorus, chamber choir and opera chorus.
• You can also get involved in the process of rehearsing and premiering new works by College composers or conducting self-promoted student performances.
• You’ll receive a high level of one-to-one support, but opportunities to collaborate are embedded into the course too. You can work with students on your course and those studying our drama courses, helping you to spark your creativity and build partnerships that could last a lifetime.
• You’ll also create and curate your own conducting projects, allowing you to conduct more detailed research into areas that interest you or match your career goals.
• We have strong relationships with renowned arts organisations, who encourage our students to observe their conductors in a professional setting – such as those from the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales and Welsh National Opera orchestra. It also includes, on occasion, visiting orchestras and choirs as part of the St David’s Hall International Concert Series.
• Half of your second year will focus on developing professional projects, which are linked to real-world settings. Areas you can focus on include research, teaching community music, collaborative creative practice, composition and digital artistry. Part of this work includes meeting regularly with a specialist mentor, helping you to gain invaluable industry insight and widen your network of contacts.
• You can support your study with classes in choral repertoire, score-reading, score preparation, aural training and broader repertoire studies – some of these are offered in conjunction with other conducting disciplines, such as orchestral and brass band.
• You can also request to join relevant classes in College departments that relate to your interests – such as vocal studies language classes in Italian, German and French.
• You’ll have a series of employability seminars that examine the components of building a successful portfolio career – including areas such as social media, networking, tax and finance, funding applications and establishing yourself as an independent artist.