Conducting (B0215A310025)

Programme objectives

The Bachelor’s programme in Conducting is focused on mastering the basic issues of the conducting profession, i.e. on conducting a choir or orchestra, gaining practical experience working with music ensembles, expanding one’s repertoire and creating a foundation for a consummate stylistic orientation. The student is also led to systematic work on his or her own artistic creations, i.e. appreciating the contents and meaning of the interpreted work, connecting interpretation with knowledge from the theoretical disciplines, deepening the systematicity and independence of his or her own artistic work, and acquiring detailed knowledge of the history and theory of music.

Profile of a programme graduate

A graduate of the Bachelor’s programme in Conducting has acquired experience with a wide range of conducting activities through work with orchestras and choral ensembles. The graduate understands the field in the broader contexts of the art of music, is familiar with the field’s history and present, and applies this knowledge in his or her own artistic activity. The graduate is oriented in operational practice and the support mechanisms of artistic activity. He or she can apply these skills in a wide spectrum of music activity, in particular as the conductor of an orchestra or choral ensemble.

Specialist knowledge

A programme graduate:

• knows the musical practice, language, forms, materials, technologies and techniques which are relevant to the field, as well as related texts, resources and concepts;
• has a solid understanding of the theoretical and historical contexts in which music is practiced and presented, including a range of musical styles and the corresponding artistic traditions;
• has comprehensive knowledge of the relevant representative repertoire in his or her musical field, and is able to create and deliver integrated and coherent musical experiences and interpretations.

Specialist skills

A programme graduate:

• has mastered an extensive repertoire, is equipped both technically and theoretically to be able to create independent and stylistically appropriate interpretive conceptions of musical works;
• possesses skills of the craft relating to the representative repertoire, various styles, and the like;
• has mastered a range of communication, presentation and organisational skills associated with public performances;
• interacts and engages with various types of audiences and/or stakeholder groups in diverse professional work contexts.

General competencies

A programme graduate:

• possesses systematic, analytical and process skills, and is able to apply these skills independently and methodically;
• appreciates the relevance of previously acquired skills and is able to adapt them to new contexts;
• is flexible and able to quickly acquire knowledge and propose alternative solutions in real time;
• responds creatively and appropriately to the ideas and input of others; works consistently and positively with verbal and/or written feedback.

General information about admission process

An admissions proceeding consisting of two rounds has been organised for the Bachelor’s programme of study in Conducting. Each round will take place in person.

Applicants for admission to the above-mentioned programme of study shall be required to include with their application for admission, in addition to other mandatory attachments, a document of one standard page in length describing their own envisaged future path after completion of the programme (choral, operatic or orchestral focus).

A condition for participation in the entrance examination for the Bachelor’s programme of study in Conducting is:

• documented studies or graduation from a music conservatory or grammar school (preparatory high school) with a focus on music; or
• a performance before the admissions committee on the musical instrument of the applicant’s choice.

Round 1: A computer-based test on the history of music and other music-theoretical disciplines

The applicant shall answer a set of randomly selected questions with three possible answers, of which one is correct. If the applicant fails to achieve the set minimum score for advancement to Round 2, then the admissions proceeding shall be concluded. If the applicant advances to Round 2, then the points from Round 1 shall not be counted.

Round 2: An aptitude test

a) aural dictation (notation of one to four parts)

b) rehearsal with a composition for string ensemble for a duration of up to 15 minutes; applicants will be informed of the composition one month prior to the admissions proceeding and shall learn and prepare it with the understanding that the committee itself will designate which part of the assigned composition the applicant shall conduct before them at the entrance examination

c) conducting from memory at the piano: one complete symphony by W. A. Mozart (Nos. 39, 40, 41) or L. van Beethoven (Nos. 1–8) of the candidate’s choice, and one complete symphony by A. Dvořák (Nos. 5–9) or P. I. Tchaikovsky (Nos. 4, 5, 6)

d) conducting the recitatives from the first act of B. Smetana’s opera “The Bartered Bride”

e) playing an extract from the first act of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” on the piano

f) oral test:

• a formal and content analysis of a symphony which the candidate conducted from the piano
• an examination of the applicant’s scope of knowledge of operatic and symphonic literature
• an examination of the applicant’s knowledge of general cultural history

The examination committee reserves the right to interrupt or terminate the applicant’s performance at any time.

The admissions committee shall assess the applicant with a comprehensive score, which contains an evaluation of the aural test, an assessment of his or her aptitude for working with an ensemble, the intelligibility of his or her manual technique, and his or her level of adroitness at the piano and scope of general cultural knowledge.

After completion of Round 2, the admissions committee shall rank individual applicants and shall recommend for admission those applicants who ranked within the relevant admissions target and who earned the minimum score for the programme of study in Conducting.

The requirements of the admissions proceeding, including a designation of the method by which points are awarded, their range and the admissions target, are defined for each academic year by a relevant Decree of the Dean, which is subject to approval by the academic senate of the faculty.

If not enough applicants receive the required number of points, the admissions target will not be met.