Choral Studies

The MPhil in Choral Studies at the University of Cambridge offers a unique and comprehensive postgraduate program dedicated to the study, performance, and understanding of choral music across a diverse range of historical periods, styles, and cultural contexts. Designed for musicians, researchers, and choral practitioners, this program provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical, practical, and pedagogical aspects of choral singing. Students will engage with extensive coursework that includes detailed analysis of choral repertoire, advanced conducting techniques, vocal performance practice, and the historical development of choral music within Western and non-Western traditions.

The program emphasizes both academic research and practical expertise, offering students opportunities to refine their conducting skills through regular rehearsals and performances, often collaborating with leading choirs and ensembles associated with the university. Access to world-class resources, including specialized libraries, historical recordings, and expert faculty, ensures a rich learning environment for those interested in the artistic and scholarly aspects of choral music. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, artistic creativity, and professional development, preparing graduates for careers in academia, conducting, choral direction, music education, or further research.

Students also benefit from the university's vibrant musical community, with opportunities to participate in workshops, masterclasses, and concerts. The program encourages exploration of innovative approaches to choral music including contemporary compositions, cross-cultural projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The MPhil in Choral Studies aims to cultivate a deep appreciation of choral traditions, advanced performance skills, and scholarly inquiry, nurturing the next generation of leaders in the field of choral music. Graduates will leave equipped with a broad skill set, a nuanced understanding of choral practices, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the musical world.

The course consists of six elements:

1. Choral Conducting: Weekly instruction, leading to a practical examination;

2. Seminar course: Weekly seminars, resulting in two coursework essays;

3. Choral Project: Candidates develop, rehearse and direct a recital programme which draws on their own scholarly research into repertoire, performance practice or pedagogical techniques.

4. Optional Elements: Students select either:

       a) an extended essay, on a topic relating to their choral project; or

       b) editing project, related to their choral project; or

       c) organ or continuo performance

5. College Placements and Observations

6. Aural Classes

Detailed Content of the Six Elements

Choral Conducting: This part of the course consists of regular classes on conducting technique and, in addition, occasional seminars on vocal issues (such as rehearsal techniques, working with boys’ voices, and vocal health) and issues of repertoire (such as interpreting early choral repertoire and preparing modern choral scores). A weekly rehearsal choir provides extra opportunity for conducting experience and a resource for masterclasses. At the end of the course candidates will be required to rehearse and conduct a choir for approximately thirty minutes, using set works announced at the start of the course.

Seminar course: These seminars will cover a wide range of subjects, grouped under two main headings, ‘Theological and Liturgical Contexts’ and ‘The English Choral Tradition: Cultural and Historical Contexts’.  Candidates will submit one essay (3500 words) at the start of Lent term; and a further essay (3500 words) at the start of Easter term.

Choral project: Candidates will prepare a choral programme of no longer than 25 minutes. Projects should seek to be innovative in their choice of repertoire, and would usually involve research into neglected repertoire and/or the creation of fresh editions.  Projects may also engage with performance practice research, or (if a children’s choir is involved) engage with issues of pedagogical training. 

Options: Candidates are required to select one of the following three options:

• Extended essay of not more than 7000 words, on a topic related to Option (iii): Choral Project. 

• Editing or Source Studies project, presenting fresh editions and/or source discussion of the repertoire presented in Option (iii): Choral Project. 

• Organ or Continuo recital. 

College observations and placements

Candidates will be encouraged to participate fully in college choirs, arrangements for which will be facilitated by the Course Director in conjunction with the Directors of Music at the College involved.  Placements will be made on the understanding that the candidates will on occasion have opportunities to direct the choirs in which they are involved.  Opportunities are also offered to observe College choirs in rehearsal and performance.

Aural Classes

Delivered in association with the 1a Undergraduate course.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Choral Video. Shows you conducting and rehearsing a choir or vocal ensemble. The video should be approximately 10-15 minutes in length, and should be focused primarily on you as director of a choral ensemble (rather than on the ensemble itself).  It should include footage of you rehearsing the ensemble as well as some longer sections of 'performance' - though these need not be in front of a live audience.  These should be submitted through Dropbox by sharing electronic files with graduate.applications@mus.cam.ac.uk
• Sample of Work. Relevant to your proposed area of study and c.3.000 words (no more than 5.000).
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

There is no specific information available regarding the financing options for the Choral Studies program at the University of Cambridge. Generally, funding for postgraduate studies at Cambridge can be obtained through a variety of sources, including university scholarships, bursaries, external funding bodies, and student loans. The University of Cambridge offers several scholarship opportunities for graduate students, some of which are open to international students, and these may include funding for tuition fees, living expenses, or both. Applicants are encouraged to explore the Cambridge Trust, departmental scholarships, and external organizations that provide financial support for students pursuing advanced degrees in music or related fields. Additionally, students may consider applying for government-sponsored loans, such as those available to domestic students in the UK, or private loans if applicable. Many students finance their studies through a combination of savings, part-time work, and scholarships. It's important to consult the official University of Cambridge website and contact the relevant department for detailed and up-to-date information on available funding opportunities, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Prospective students should also explore specific bursaries or fellowships related to music or choral studies, which may be offered periodically. In recent years, the university has increased efforts to support talented students financially, but specific details about the Choral Studies program's financing options are not publicly listed, thus students are advised to seek personalized guidance from university admissions or the graduate funding office.

Choral Studies at the University of Cambridge is a specialised course designed for students passionate about the art and practice of choral singing, conducting, and musical leadership within a liturgical and concert setting. The programme combines rigorous academic study of musicology, vocal technique, and the history of choral music with practical training in singing, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. Students have the opportunity to participate actively in the renowned collegial choral traditions of Cambridge, often singing in the college chapels and participating in concerts, recordings, and international tours. The curriculum includes music theory, analysis, and historical context of choral repertoire, with particular emphasis on Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, as well as contemporary choral compositions.

Candidates typically engage in regular rehearsals and performances under expert supervision, developing their vocal skills, interpretative abilities, and understanding of sacred and secular choral music. The programme also offers training in conducting, enabling students to lead choral performances with confidence and artistic insight. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to explore different genres, styles, and languages of choral music, preparing them for diverse professional careers in conducting, music education, church music, or performance.

Participation in the University’s choir systems and external ensembles is an integral part, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities in the choral community. The course fosters both individual talent and collaborative skills, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and leadership in musical settings. Graduates often continue into careers as professional conductors, choir directors, music educators, or pursue postgraduate research in musicology or performance. The programme benefits from Cambridge’s rich musical heritage, world-class academic staff, and dedicated facilities, ensuring an enriching environment for aspiring choral musicians. This unique combination of academic excellence and practical experience makes the Choral Studies programme at Cambridge highly esteemed worldwide.