Information about the Final Examination for Choir and Orchestra Conductors

Regulations about diploma concerts (guide)

BA orchestral and choir conducting

Diploma concert:

The compilation of the programme has to be able to showcase the acquired professional basics of the student.

Choir conducting diploma concert programme: pieces are to be different in their characteristics. In case of one piece, instrumental accompaniment may be included. Instrumental accompaniment can only be a keyboard instrument (piano or harpsichord) and is limited to one solo instrument. Requirements in terms of length is 15 minutes at least, 25 minutes at most (net length of the performance). The student may not choose from the exam and diploma concert programme of the previous 3 years. The chosen pieces are to be conducted without sheet music.

Orchestral conducting ciploma concert programme is to include a larger classical symphony or a longer romantic  symphonic piece, which is to be conducted without sheet music, perfect technical knowledge, showing individuality, with stylistic and colorful execution. Expected length: 45-50 minutes. The student may not choose from the exam and diploma concert programme of the previous 3 years. 

MA orchestral conducting

Diploma concert:

Conducting a concert independently. The programme has to include a piece of Viennese Classicism, romanticism, and the 20th century. The programme is to conducted without sheet music, with high-level of technical detail and expressiveness. The programme also has to include a concerto or an opera part (the latters may be played with sheet music). The student may not choose from the exam and diploma concert programme of the previous 3 years.

Complex oral exam:

The exam is 20 minutes long, independent oral presentation with live music illustration, which is suitable to introduce the chosen topic in a comprehensive manner. The presentation contains the elements of a written thesis (familiarity with the literature, music history background and introduction of the stylistic periods, then introducing the narrowed down, chosen topic). Using sheet music for the presentation is recommended (depending on the topic). In case the chosen topic includes the programme of the diploma concert, the exam material cannot be limited to the analysis of that only. Before the start of the examination, the student submits a clear outline of the presentation to the examination committee, based on which the committee may decide whether the entire presentation is to be delivered or only parts of it. The outline has to contain the list of literature used for preparation.

MA Choir conducting

Diploma concert:

The compilation of the programme has to be able to showcase the technical knowledge and the stylistic versatility of the students. The programme has to include a piece of early music (renaissance, baroque, or classical composition), a romantic or turn-of-the-century piece, and a 20th century or contemporary piece. A cappella pieces are to be the majory in the programme, but is one is to be with instrumental accompaniment. A Hungarian composer is also to be included. It is expected of graduating students to employ more types of choirs, as much as possible. One piece in the programme has to be one that was also included in the closing exam material of MA 1st year of Conducting Technique as Main Subject.

Net length of the programme is 25 minutes at least, 40 minutes at most. Piano, harpsichord, or organ may be used. Other orchestral instruments might be considered as well, depending on the approved programme and with the organization of the student.

The student may not choose from the exam and diploma concert programme of the previous 3 years.

Complex oral exam:

The exam is 20 minutes long, independent oral presentation with live music illustration, which is suitable to introducde the chosen topic in a comprehensive manner. The presentation contains the elements of a written thesis (familiarity with the literature, music history background and introduction of the stylistic periods, then introducing the narrowed down, chosen topic). Using sheet music for the presentation is recommended (depending on the topic). In case the chosen topic includes the programme of the diploma concert, the exam material cannot be limited to the analysis of that only. Before the start of the examination, the student submits a clear outline of the presentation to the examination committee, based on which the committee may decide whether the entire presentation is to be delivered or only parts of it. The outline has to contain the list of literature used for preparation.