The conducting programme at the University of Stavanger is one of Norway's leading programmes. We offer courses and study programmes with specializations in conducting on all levels.
At the Faculty of Performing Arts, you can study conducting full-time or part-time. You can choose conducting as a specialization in most of our full-time programmes in performing music. Additionally, we offer several online and session-based flexible (distance learning) studies for conductors.
The Conducting Programme is a part of the Department of Classical Music, led by Bjørn Einar Halvorsen.
Application deadlines: 15 December and 1 March 2024
The application deadline for on-campus programmes in performing music is the 15th of December.
The application deadline for all the distance learning studies is the 1st of March.
Who is teaching in the Conducting section?
Here is an overview of the teathers. The section is led by Bjarte Engeset.
- Engeset, Bjarte
- Szilvay, Peter Sebastian
- Wensberg, Morten Schjelderup
Read more about our employees
Department of Classical Music
Department of Classical Music
Conducting Studies - from Bachelor's Degree to PhD
At the Faculty of Performing Arts, you can study conducting full-time (on-campus) or part-time, with flexible online and session-based (distance learning) options.
As a full-time student in conducting, you will receive individual lessons in conducting and, in addition, you must study an instrument. You will gain conducting experience with various types of ensembles, across a range of genres and at different levels, from good amateur ensembles to professional ones. There are group-lessons in several complementary subjects. General subjects such as theory, ear training, music history, and others are taught, along with various elective courses.
The University of Stavanger collaborates with various institutions both nationally and internationally, providing excellent opportunities for exchange programmes abroad in several of the study programmes. The Faculty of Performing Arts is an institution of just the right size to ensure that students are seen and receive continuous supervision in their daily studies.
The University of Stavanger collaborates with various institutions both nationally and internationally, providing excellent opportunities for exchange programmes abroad in several of the study programmes.
Internationally recognized educators
In addition to highly qualified and internationally recognized teachers among our own staff, we receive regular visits from leading international and Norwegian educators and musicians for masterclasses. Conducting students share facilities on campus with the performing classical music and jazz and dance students - a unique combination of performing arts in Norway.
Full-time studies from Bachelor to Postgraduate Diploma
Depending on your educational background and ambitions, we at UiS emphasize the development of your personal musical identity. At the bachelor's level (information in Norwegian), the foundation is established for lifelong development in the field of performing music. In Extension Studies, Master's programmes, and Postgraduate Diploma (PDM), there is an increasing focus on developing specialized knowledge tailored to meet a flexible job market's needs. For those interested in an educational profile, it is possible to integrate practical-pedagogical education (PPU) in the 3rd and 4th years of the bachelor's programme in performing music.
You can choose conducting as a specialization in all our full-time programmes in performing music, except the one-year study programme. The application deadline is 15 December, and applications must be submitted through Søknadsweb. Find detailed information about application and admission in the various programme articles below.
| Degree programmes | Non-degree programmes | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 4 years | |
| Extension Studies | 1 year | |
| Master's | 2 years | |
| PDM | 1 year | |
| PhD | 3 years |
Flexible studies and distance learning
UiS is known for being pioneers in developing flexible parttime, online and session-based studies in conducting. These are aimed at musicians, music teachers and music students who want a flexible conducting education which can be combined with work or other studies. The ConductIT-courses are one-year parttime studies, except ConductIT Express which is only one semester (fall).
The ConductIT study program consists of seven separate conducting courses. Each course represents a profile or specialization of conducting; fundamentals of conducting, orchestra, wind and brass band, and school band. The courses are taught online and at a small number of on-campus sessions in Stavanger, among them Dirigentuka in August, where the students must be present. Application deadline is March 1st. Studies are open to all international students. European citizens are exempt from tuition fees at Norwegian universities.
The ConductIT study programme consists of seven separate conducting courses. Each course represents a profile or specialisation of conducting; fundamentals of conducting, orchestra, wind and brass band, and school band. The courses are taught online and at a small number of on-campus sessions in Stavanger, among them Dirigentuka in August, where the students must be present. Application deadline is 1 March. Studies are open to all international students.
Subjects overview:
| Introduction level (optional) |
|---|
| ConductIT Express, Fundamentals of conducting – 10 ECTS |
| Level 1 (30 ECTS each course) | Level 2 (30 ECTS each course) |
|---|---|
| ConductIT Orchestra I | ConductIT Orchestra II |
| ConductIT Wind and Brass band I | ConductIT Wind and Brass band II |
| ConductIT School Band I | ConductIT School Band II |
Conductors’ Week in Stavanger - Dirigentuka
One of Europe’s largest conducting courses is held at UiS in August every year. Over 100
participants come to the Conductors’ Week in Stavanger – Dirigentuka, which is a collaboration between UiS and the Stavanger Symphony, the Norwegian Band Federation, Stavanger Brass Band and several other local organizations. Dirigentuka is open to participants of all nationalities and offers courses at every level, from beginner to expert. Apply by 1 May.
