Specialised orchestral conducting
This field offers a small number of students showing the abilities required training that leads to the conducting of professional orchestras (symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, operas, specialist ensembles).
It requires the skills of orchestral instrumentalist and keyboardist, an enormous breadth of artistic culture (including in the opera and oratorio repertoires) and the ability to read scores with ease. Beyond these musical qualities, orchestra conductors must also acquire leadership and management qualities (including managing rehearsals).
Study plan
Abbreviations :
e = marked exam
p = attendance (proven attendance compulsory)
rs = internship report
ce = co-assessment
A1, A2, etc. = first, second year, etc.
S1, S2, etc. = first, second term, etc.
Admission criteria
The Specialised orchestral conducting field is accessible not only to students with a Bachelor’s degree in conducting, but also with a BA in an orchestral instrument or piano. Candidates must prove their skill at conducting in front of an internal jury, by conducting a rehearsal with an orchestral ensemble, and must also show their ability to transpose scores (reading of keys used in the past) and to reduce ensemble scores to a piano part.
Study programme
Main training
The main training module is centred around the practice of conducting an orchestra, supplemented with the acquisition of complementary skills in conducting a choir. In order to acquire specific experience of conducting operas, the students are given a chance, on top of the individual and group classes, to do an internship at a theatre. Another internship, with the Chamber Orchestra of Geneva, enables them to familiarize themselves with the numerous dimensions of the profession (management, artistic and human leadership, choice of repertoire, programming, etc.).
Special training
Since the profession of conductor is particularly demanding, the Master’s in orchestra direction provides a supplemental course on top of the general musical training in the Bachelor’s degree, with classes on theory, orchestration and harmony or counterpoint. Classes on reading scores are also offered, to enable the students to acquire these skills that are so necessary when it comes to working as a conductor.
Complementary and optional training
This module leaves students with some room to choose: they can choose the subjects that seem necessary to them in order to tackle their Master’s project and, ultimately, enter the profession.
Master’s Project
The Master’s project consists of a public recital with an orchestra, accompanied by a dissertation showing critical thinking.
