Program to Support Graduate Conducting Students in the Study and Performance of Music by Composers from Underrepresented Groups

Background

This 3-year pilot initiative, a collaboration between the Schulich School of Music (SSoM), the Marvin Duchow Music Library (MDML) and its Gertrude Whitley Performance Library (PL), responds to SSoM’s current strategic mandate to increase the performance and study of music by composers from underrepresented groups, in alignment with the University’s EDI Strategic Plan and Anti-Black Racism Action Plan.

The program is intended to enable graduate students in the SSoM’s Orchestral and Choral Conducting Programs (M.Mus., D.Mus., Graduate Certificate in Choral Conducting) to gain access to scores and parts for works not currently held in the PL collection, in support of their coursework. It aims to enrich the educational experience of conducting students, acknowledging their potential to bring positive influence and change to the music performance milieu at McGill and beyond.

Scope

  • Students in one of the SSoM’s graduate conducting programs can apply for financial support of up to CAD 1,000 toward the rental or purchase of one musical work (including works with multiple movements).1 Choral Conducting students can request multiple short (3-5 minutes) works.2
  • Each eligible student may receive support through the program only one time per academic year, although calls for applications may occur more than once per academic year and unsuccessful applicants may re-apply in subsequent calls.
  • Priority will be given to applicants who have not yet made a successful application to the program.
  • The management of hires, including the solicitation of quotes and negotiation of price and rights will be overseen by the PL staff member.

Application process

Call for applications is sent twice per academic year, first in May for performances in the Fall term, and again in October for performances in the Winter term.

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