Course Summary
The course is specifically tailored to the needs of aspiring orchestral and choral conductors. Based at TU Dublin Conservatoire, which has a long tradition in the provision of performing arts education, the course aims to facilitate the artistic, intellectual and creative development of students by providing an integrated and structured programme with performance experience in a wide range of solo and ensemble contexts, underpinned by complementary academic, research and professional studies.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will normally have:
• an honours degree (minimum 2.2) in music performance, or
• an honours degree in music (minimum 2.2) with a strong specialism in performance, or
• an equivalent qualification and have demonstrated the necessary performing potential or be of equivalent professional standing
Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application.
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Applicants should submit the following along with the application:
• CV with details of your performing experience (repertoire and performances) musical training and other relevant experience/education
• Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in music performance
• A recent example of academic writing in music, for example, an academic essay or scholarly programme notes
• Academic Transcripts
• Two references relating to your music experience, preferably one from your most recent teacher and one from an industry professional
In addition to general MMus (Performance) entrance requirements, conducting applicants are asked to submit the following materials directly to the MMus Programme Chair:
• An independently verified high quality DVD/mp3 file DVD with recent recordings of conducting in concert and rehearsal contexts from the orchestra/choir's viewpoint
• Two references relating to your conducting experience
Please note, that only eligible candidates will be called to audition and interview. Places on the MMus (Conducting) pathway are limited to 2 students per year.
Audition and Interview
The video recording submitted with the application is viewed and only candidates who pass this pre-selection stage will be in invited to an audition and interview.
Audition:
You are requested to prepare a piano realisation of either an excerpt from a string quartet score, or an excerpt from a SATB choral score on piano and to be able to sing any part. This test will be sent in advance for preparation.
Interview:
The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programmed. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, performance experience and repertoire, research interests and career plans.
Application Details
Applications for courses commencing in September 2025 will open in November 2024.
Commencement Date: September 2025
Fees
Fees (Non-EU) €27,000
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Career Progression
The MMus (Conducting) course is designed to prepare you for a future career as a conductor in the music industry. Graduates of the course have pursued careers as orchestral and choral conductors in professional, educational and community contexts, and in music education and leadership roles. There are also opportunities for further study at the Conservatoire through our DMus in Performance or PhD programmes.
Duration
Mode of Study: Full Time
Method of Delivery: Blended