Master of Music in Conducting (Emphasis Choral Conducting) (MMUS)

University of British Columbia

Canada, Vancouver

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Home/Canada/Vancouver /University of British Columbia/Master of Music in Conducting (Emphasis Choral Conducting) (MMUS)

University of British Columbia

Canada , Vancouver

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Vancouver

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

CAD 9,884 / per year

Apply Date December-2022

Next Intake September-2026

Master of Music in Conducting (Emphasis Choral Conducting) (MMUS)

About

The UBC School of Music offers excellent training for graduate assistant conductors with ample podium time in front of outstanding ensembles. Degrees are offered with emphases in Choral, Orchestral, or Wind conducting.

The conducting program features private conducting study and significant podium time. Teaching Assistantships in conducting and ensembles provide vital experiential learning opportunities throughout the degree. Collaboration among conducting faculty and students in all emphases makes it a cooperative and collegial learning environment.

Entrance to the M.Mus. in conducting is based upon the admission portfolio (including a pre-screen video) as well as an in-person audition for invited candidates. Artist teachers seeking to advance their conducting studies are also encouraged to apply.

Disciplines

Faculty of Arts

Requirements

Entry Requirements

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum Academic Requirements

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement: 90

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Listening

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement: 6.5

Reading

6.0

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Listening

6.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior Degree Requirements

Most successful applicants to the choral conducting program will hold a Bachelor of Music degree. Applicants with significant professional musical experience but with a Bachelor's degree other than a BMUS will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Course Requirements

i. BMus degree or equivalent

ii. Vocal and/or instrumental training sufficient for ensemble leadership in area of emphasis

iii. Piano proficiency

iv. Strong foundation in music history and theory Note: Otherwise strong applicants with deficiencies in these areas may be required to take additional courses.

Document Requirements

A pre-screen video submission is required. The pre-screen video contains examples of the applicant’s performance and rehearsal as a conductor. For applicants who are then invited for a live audition, additional materials will be requested.

Other Requirements

Significant choral conducting experience is expected of qualified applicants. Often this includes public school teaching (or similar) experience.

Career

Career Options

The M.Mus. in choral conducting prepares the student for a range of career options and opportunities. Typically, graduates of the program continue on to do one of the following: a) return to an existing conducting/teaching position, with new and enriched skills; b) take on a new, more engaging and prestigious conducting/teaching position; or c) enter a doctoral program in conducting at a major North American university.

For students choosing to continue their studies, the choral conducting curriculum at UBC is specifically designed so that students by pursuing a doctoral degree can do so seamlessly. Doctoral degrees in choral conducting often lead to teaching positions with post-secondary institutions.

Alternatively, professional opportunities exist as conductors of – or choristers in – advanced or professional chamber choirs and youth choirs (etc.). 3.5 million Canadians sing in choirs, and there are more than 28,000 choirs in over 300 communities across Canada.