MA in Choral Studies
Introduction
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:
- Choral conducting and choir leadership
- Composing for choirs
- Historical approaches to choral music
- Cultural policy and the arts sector
Programme Aims and Objectives
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.
Programme Content and Structure
The programme is offered part-time over two years. Lectures take place in Drumcondra on Monday evenings and on one Saturday per semester.
Students must successfully complete six core taught modules:
- Conducting, Interpretation and Style
- Choral Music: Historical and Analytical Approaches
- Composition for Voices
- Creative Approaches to Text
- Choral Contexts: National Infrastructure for the Arts
- Choral Leadership
In addition, students complete a research module, which includes a series of seminars on research methodologies and a minor thesis on choral studies or a portfolio of compositions/arrangements.
View the current course structure
DCU is a vibrant hub of choral and compositional activity. DCU music staff include internationally recognised and award-winning experts in the field of choral studies. The MA in Choral Studies is based in DCU’s School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music, where students will find a dynamic, supportive, research-led learning environment with a strong commitment to social and cultural engagement, and creative approaches to teaching that promote independent, scholarly, critical thinking.
Why Do This Programme?
The MA in Choral Studies combines the study of choral conducting and composition within one programme. Students will gain valuable experience in the use of conducting gesture as a representation of musical style and expression, and in the creation of new music for choral ensembles, informed by historical practice, scholarly literature, and the latest developments in compositional techniques.
Students will acquire a deep understanding of stylistic and contextual influences on performance and composition, and will receive regular feedback in choir leadership, ensemble singing, and creative work.
Sing Ireland is delighted to welcome this new opportunity for Irish choral practitioners to develop their professional knowledge and proficiency. The vibrant choral sector in Ireland will undoubtedly benefit from the further education, support and development of its choral conductors and composers.
Dermot O'Callaghan, CEO of Sing Ireland
Potential Careers
Graduates may progress or enhance their careers in areas such as:
- Choral conducting
- Composition
- Ensemble singing
- Music teaching (subject to relevant qualifications)
- Choral arts administration
- Music criticism
- Broadcasting
- Recording and production
- Editing and choral publishing
Graduates may also pursue doctoral research in choral studies or related areas.
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 and composition 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.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above