course-details-portlet

MUSP4147

Choral Conducting

Choose study year

Lessons are not given in the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 30
Level Fourth-year courses, level IV
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim

About

About the course

Course content

This subject is a course in choral conducting, and includes vocal conducting techniques, collective singing techniques, score analysis, intonation and working with aural training in choirs, and rehearsal methodology. The course is session-based.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has

  • extended knowledge of repertoire, current ensemble types and style periods
  • knowledge of working with different types of vocal-instrumental ensembles

Skills

The candidate

  • has developed his/hers technical skills in conducting, his/hers working methods and professional didactic approach for the instruction of vocal groups and ensembles
  • can read and give reasoned solutions and interpretations of different types of scores for these ensembles.

General competence

The candidate has

  • developed awareness of the choral conductor's role as leader
  • developed the ability to work independently
  • developed creativity and imagination in working methods, repertoire selection and program composition.

Learning methods and activities

The subject is organized in session-based modules, with three sessions per semester. Guidance of the students works in their own ensembles is carried out via digital solutions.

Compulsory written assignment: The assignment must be 3000 words. Sample notes and illustrations are in addition this. The assignment is delivered in BlackBoard.

Compulsory assignments

  • Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction
  • Assesment

Further on evaluation

The exam is in two parts, and consists of a concert with the students own ensemble and a practical exam.

Concert with own ensemble: The concert must be a minimum of 30 effective playing minutes. The repertoire must be approved by the lecturer in advance. Documentation (video and written concert program) is delivered in Inspera at the turn of April/May.

Practical exam: The candidates work with and perform a piece with choir, and have a discussion with the subject lecturer and sensor afterwards, in which they defend their artistic and technical choices. In due time before the exam, candidates are given three pieces to choose from.

If repeating the exam, the candidate must only retake the part of the assessment that has not been passed.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Music Performance (MMUSP)
Music Performance Studies (BMUSP)

Required previous knowledge

Candidates must have at least two years of higher education in music. The course has a limited number of students. Applicants to the course must submit an entrance test/assessment.

Candidates who are offered a place must:

  • dispose of own choir/vocal ensemble for practice teaching and as a rehearsal ensemble
  • should be able to master the piano in order to be able to use the instrument as a work tool in preparation and test situations

The decision on which students are chosen to participate in the course, takes place after assessing a submitted video with documentation of conducting skills, as well as an interview (digital).

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MUSP6008 30 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Other pages about the course

Subject areas

  • Music Performance Studies

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Music