Program Overview

Designed for recent graduates and suitably qualified mature students, our taught Master of Music (MMus) Brass Band Conducting courses provide the technical training, collaborative opportunities and podium time necessary to help you prepare for a career as a professional conductor.

As a Principal Study Brass Band Conductor, you'll be offered individual tuition from expert staff conductors, and will spend considerable time developing your directing techniques in rehearsal and in performance. In addition to attending and participating in scheduled brass band activities, you will be encouraged to explore other opportunities to engage with ensembles, as director or observer, both within the Conservatoire and with professional organizations such as Services for Education and Tredegar Brass Band. Brass Band Conducting students should also expect to attend classes/workshops of their peers studying other conducting pathways.

It's normal for conducting students to be proactive in presenting performances of projects that they've generated themselves. You'll receive support and professional advice in pursuing such projects, which should be viewed as an essential element of your studies. Both PgDip and MMus courses provide excellent opportunities to develop other skills relevant to a future career in the music profession.

Professional Placement option

The Professional Placement version of the course is optional and is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course.

This will allow you to complete a credit-bearing, 20-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviors at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.