Master of Music
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Application deadline: January 15, 2023
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Music in Conducting (choral, instrumental, or combined)
- Master of Music in Performance
- Master of Music in Performance/Pedagogy
Memorial University's School of Music is a vibrant community of performers, creative musicians, and researchers whose work encompasses a wide range of interests across the musical spectrum. Its faculty are internationally renowned musicians and scholars who are as engaged in teaching as they are in practice. Through personalized mentorship, a select number of graduate candidates participate in unique opportunities to launch their professional lives in one of Canada's most vital musical environments.
The Master of Music programs in Performance, Performance/Pedagogy, and Conducting directly address the variety of career and life skills contemporary musicians must possess. As the largest music school in Atlantic Canada, MUN is able to complement its intensive performance studies with a wide range of experiential opportunities for graduate students, from teaching and community engagement, to entrepreneurial and arts advocacy projects.
Performance and Conducting Experience
Performance and Performance/Pedagogy concentrations are currently available in:
- voice
- piano
- guitar
- violin, viola, cello
- flute, clarinet, saxophone
- trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba
Students are mentored in the preparation of two public concerts of professional calibre; they also have the option of preparing a professional audio recording. In addition, a variety of chamber music experiences are available for credit.
Conducting majors have the option of working principally with instrumental ensembles, principally with vocal ensembles, or a balanced combination of both. Our conducting majors get regular podium time with the School’s choirs and instrumental ensembles, as well as access to the unique resources of the musical community in St. John’s, affording a wide range of conducting opportunities.
Research and Critical Thinking Skills
Research and critical thinking skills are the foundation of any graduate program, including Master of Music programs. This two-semester sequence contains one semester of research methods followed by a seminar course exploring music in its social context. The seminar gives all students the opportunity to examine “big ideas.” International lectures and events are sponsored through the School’s three research centres:
- Research Centre for the Study of Music, Media, and Place
- Bruneau Centre for Excellence in Choral Music
- International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
Professional Preparation
This component of the program addresses the role of the versatile professional in today’s world. Elective internship placements in the music industry offer hands-on applications of theory. Students have the option to propose and carry out community music-making projects for credit. Additional complementary courses include pedagogy, ensemble repertoire, and score study and analysis.