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MA Music – Choral Conducting Pathway

The unique Music – Choral Conducting programme from University of Birmingham 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.

Quick Facts

  
Full-Time Duration: 1 year
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £22,950 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

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 Music – Choral Conducting programme from University of Birmingham 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).

Courses included:

  • Choral Conducting
  • British Music Studies 1850-1975
  • Historically Informed Performance
  • Global Popular Musics
  • Musicology
  • Topics in Early Music

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Birmingham’s Music postgraduates work in a wide range of careers within and beyond the music world. A postgraduate degree in Music develops a broad base of skills including general skills such as communication, problem solving and research, and also specific skills developed by practice and performance such as self-management, team work and presentation.

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.

Learn more