Group and individual instruction in orchestral conducting and methods of score interpretation.

Group and individual instruction in orchestral conducting and methods of score interpretation.

Group and individual instruction in orchestral conducting and methods of score interpretation.

The final performance prepared and presented in this semester forms the capstone of the Master of Music Studies (Conducting) program.

Performance in an ensemble. Each student will be assigned to an ensemble for the semester to work with the conductor of that ensemble - this includes: taking rehearsals, sectional work, ensemble management, attending all rehearsals as conductor's assistant (keeping notes, marking up of scores, etc), and some conducting. This gives students the opportunity to work with a conductor for a length of time; to become familiar with the day-to-day work of conducting an ensemble; to learn how to prepare and handle scores; to learn repertoire; to observe and experience the application of skills acquired in Conducting 1-4.

Each student will be assigned to an ensemble for the semester to work with the conductor of that ensemble - this includes: taking rehearsals, sectional work, ensemble management, attending all rehearsals as conductor's assistant (keeping notes, marking up of scores, etc), and some conducting. This gives students the opportunity to work with a conductor for a length of time; to become familiar with the day-to-day work of conducting an ensemble; to learn how to prepare and handle scores; to learn repertoire; to observe and experience the application of skills acquired in Conducting 1-4.

Each student will be assigned to an ensemble for the semester to work with the conductor of that ensemble - this is to include: taking rehearsals as conductor's assistant (keeping notes, marking up scores, etc), some conducting. This gives students the opportunity to work with a conductor for a length of time; to become familiar with the day-to-day work of conducting an ensemble; to learn how to prepare and handle scores; to learn repertoire; to observe and experience the application of skills acquired in Conducting 1-4.

This unit of study focuses on the early stages of planning a research project relevant to students' conducting repertoires and interests, and relies on the individual student showing initiative in bringing this project to fruition. A written proposal for the project is due by mid-semester. Projects may be analytical, historical, notational, kinesthetic, repertoire based stylistic, etc. Students are encouraged to utilize forms of electronic communication (such as DVD, CD, Websites) in their projects. Keyboard players with requisite levels of skill can apply to work on operatic coaching and produce a project related to this.

This unit of study students will continue to focus on the supervised completion of the project commenced in Individual Project 1. The final product can take one of a number of different forms: written document (5 000 words). The presentation may include CD or DVD recordings, performing editions of compositions and editions of works for presentation - this is to be negotiated with relevant supervisory staff.

Students will learn processes for score reduction and interpretation through keyboard (piano) experience. Broadening of repertoire and understanding of composers' orchestral styles will be attained through selection of material.

This unit is designed for professional conductors, postgraduate conducting majors and other postgraduates with conducting experience, and undergraduates who have successfully completed the undergraduate sequence. Topics will include expressive gesture, advanced conducting technique, body awareness and movement; advanced score study, analytical and aural skills, wind band repertoire; rehearsal techniques and strategies; wind band history and current topics of interest for conductors/musicians.