Performance (M.Mus.): Conducting (Thesis) (45 credits)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Master of Music
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.Mus. in Performance; Conducting program allows students to specialize in instrument or choral conducting. The program provides for concentrated podium time, interactions with world-class conductors, score study and the development of rehearsal technique. A range of seminars provides for the in-depth study of performance practice and the development of analytical skills.
Students admitted to the M.Mus. in Performance; Conducting program who have undergraduate degrees other than the B.Mus. from McGill University may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate course(s) before completion of the Master's degree. Students with a B.Mus. degree from McGill University may be required to successfully complete MUPD 560 Music Information and Research Skills., some diction courses, orchestration classes and a keyboard course before completion of the Master's program.
Required Courses (30 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGS 605 | Graduate Performance Colloquium. | 0 |
Graduate Performance Colloquium. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Participation in three professional development workshops or research colloquium approved by the department on topics such as performance pedagogy, academic teaching, music production, copyright, business, grantsmanship, etc. Students participate in each semester of residency until requirements have been met. | ||
| MUPG 580 | Rehearsal Techniques for Conductors. 1 | 1.5 |
Rehearsal Techniques for Conductors. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Exploration of rehearsal techniques used by conductors and coaches in a variety of different settings (at McGill and in the larger Montreal community) including orchestra, orchestra sectionals, contemporary music ensembles, wind ensembles, early music ensembles, choral ensembles, jazz ensembles, chamber music ensembles, and opera through observation and discussion. | ||
- 1
2 terms of MUPG 580 Rehearsal Techniques for Conductors.
Thesis Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 630 | Conducting Tutorial 1. | 3 |
Conducting Tutorial 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Group conducting tutorial. Technical and interpretive development, preparation of thesis performance projects. | ||
| MUIN 631 | Conducting Tutorial 2. | 3 |
Conducting Tutorial 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Group conducting tutorial. Continuing technical and interpretive development, preparation of thesis performance projects. | ||
| MUIN 632 | Conducting Tutorial 3. | 3 |
Conducting Tutorial 3. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Additional group conducting tutorial. Interpretative preparation of thesis performance projects and development of individual artistic vision. | ||
| MUPG 600 | Recital Project 1. 2 | 9 |
Recital Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Solo recital, collaborative piano recital, conducting recital or principal Opera Role (by audition) with program notes. | ||
| MUPG 601 | Recital Project 2. | 9 |
Recital Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Solo recital, collaborative piano recital, conducting recital or principal opera role (by audition) with program notes. May include chamber music providing none of the repertoire was prepared in a chamber ensemble taken for credit. | ||
Complementary Courses (15 credits)
9 credits at the 500 level or higher, to be chosen from the Schulich School of Music’s seminar offerings; 3 of the 9 credits must have a MUCO, MUGS, MUGT, MUHL, MUMT, MUPP or MUTH subject code.
6 credits (3 terms) of:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 572 | Cappella Antica. | 2 |
Cappella Antica. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 An ensemble of 8 to 12 voices specializing in early music. N.B. This ensemble may substitute as a Basic Ensemble in programs that specify Choral Ensemble, with Departmental approval. | ||
| MUEN 573 | Baroque Orchestra. | 2 |
Baroque Orchestra. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Open to singers and instrumentalists, this ensemble specializes in chamber music primarily of the Baroque era. | ||
| MUEN 590 | McGill Wind Orchestra. | 2 |
McGill Wind Orchestra. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Large ensemble for wind instruments. | ||
| MUEN 592 | Chamber Jazz Ensemble. | 2 |
Chamber Jazz Ensemble. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 This ensemble will deal with the extensive repertoire of music which exists for small jazz orchestra (9-13 instruments). | ||
| MUEN 593 | Choral Ensembles. | 2 |
Choral Ensembles. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Students enrolling in Choral Ensembles will be assigned to one of the above groups. | ||
| MUEN 594 | Contemporary Music Ensemble. | 2 |
Contemporary Music Ensemble. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Ensemble for contemporary music - instruments and voice. | ||
| MUEN 595 | Jazz Ensembles. | 2 |
Jazz Ensembles. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Ensemble for jazz - instruments and voice. | ||
| MUEN 597 | McGill Symphony Orchestra. | 2 |
McGill Symphony Orchestra. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Ensemble for orchestral instruments. | ||
