Brass Band Conducting - MMus / PgDip

Birmingham City University

Designed for recent graduates and suitably qualified mature students, our taught Master of Music (MMus) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) 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 organisations 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.

What's covered in the course?

Regular individual specialist tuition.
Access to the Conservatoire’s broad range of ensemble activities, including Brass Band and Brass Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, ‘Repertoire’ and ‘Pops’ Orchestras, and Thallein (Contemporary Music) Ensemble.
Regular opportunities to rehearse and perform with ensembles within the Conservatoire.
Regular opportunities to observe ensemble rehearsals, including sectional rehearsals directed by departmental heads or specialist guest tutors.
Opportunities to join orchestral and choral conducting classes.
Bespoke support in musicianship and arranging.
A core career development module designed to get you thinking about your future professional plans.
The flexibility to choose from a broad menu of Professional Development Option modules designed to help you work towards achieving your personal career aspirations.
In MMus, a core module designed to develop your skills as a researcher or informed practitioner.
The possibility of transferring from PgDip to MMus once you have begun your studies (but before completion of the PgDip course).

Opportunity: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.