Program Overview
The Master of Music in Conducting program at the University of Regina offers a personalized education experience through intensive one-on-one study with experienced mentors. Students can specialize in choral or wind band conducting, enhancing their knowledge in repertoire, pedagogy, and practical skills. The program prepares graduates for professional work in artistic and academic contexts, including roles as conductors, music teachers, and professors.
Program Outline
Master of Music in Conducting (MMus) at the University of Regina
Degree Overview:
The Master of Music in Conducting program at the University of Regina offers students an intensive one-on-one study experience under the mentorship of experienced performers and scholars. The program aims to deepen and develop students' knowledge in repertoire, pedagogy, and applied skills such as score analysis, technique, and rehearsal practice. The program provides the necessary training for musicians to pursue professional work in artistic and academic contexts. Students can specialize in either choral or wind band conducting. The graduate program in conducting prepares graduates for an academic setting, including courses in music history, bibliography, research methods, and music theory, as well as ensembles and practical study. Graduates may choose to pursue a doctoral program in a related field to teach at a university level. This program is suitable for individuals interested in enhancing their conducting skills, including high school music teachers seeking additional qualifications.
Teaching:
- Faculty: All professors in the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance are recognized scholars, artists, and professionals in their fields, including Music, Media Studies, Interactive Media and Performance, Film Studies, Indigenous Studies, Creative Technologies, Communication Studies, Curatorial Studies, National and International Cinemas, Popular Culture, Film Production, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
- Teaching Methods: The program emphasizes intensive one-on-one study under the mentorship of experienced performers and scholars. Students are expected to work with faculty to plan a program, conduct regular rehearsals, and perform.
- Unique Approaches: The program offers a 1:1 teacher-to-student ratio, allowing for a personalized education experience. Students explore rigorous repertoire and practical application.
Careers:
Upon successful completion of the Master of Music in Conducting, graduates are prepared for the next step in their careers. Graduates of the program have created their own ensembles, won national competitions, and gone on to complete doctoral degrees and find employment in educational institutions. Potential career paths include:
- Professional wind band conductor
- Professional choral conductor
- Community conductor
- University professor
- University instructor
- Artist educator
- Arts administrator
- Professional performing artist
Other:
- Conducting Projects and Study: Students undertake a wide range of conducting projects and score study. The degree culminates with a concert in which the student conducts a program for a large ensemble. The program is mutually curated by the student and supervisor. Students also take graduate courses in critical theory in the fine arts and in research techniques specific to music. Students also have access to the full range of the Faculty's facilities. The Dr. John Archer Library contains listening facilities, recordings, microfilms, and a broad spectrum of scores, collected works, and music texts.
- Performance and Volunteer Opportunities: Students in the Master of Music program may have the opportunity to participate with groups such as the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Saskatchewan Choral Federation, the Saskatchewan Band Association, and others. Students are empowered to contribute to a vibrant musical ecosystem in their communities as well-rounded artists.
- Research Opportunities: Conducting students may be able to work alongside faculty and other Media, Art, and Performance students to develop research projects.
