Academic Divisions
Conducting Division
Who are we?
The conducting division is a dynamic space where leadership, artistry, and community intersect. We engage music as both an artistic practice and a socially embedded form of expression, exploring repertoire that spans Western art traditions and African practices.
Our approach centres on the belief that music is not only performed but lived. Conducting is taught as an embodied practice—where gesture, sound, communication, and human connection converge. Students are trained to think critically about repertoire, context, and interpretation, while developing the technical and interpersonal skills required to lead diverse ensembles.
Furthermore, we embrace stylistic diversity, multilingualism, and culturally responsive approaches to music making. Students are encouraged to engage with unfamiliar traditions, collaborate across disciplines, and understand choral singing and instrumental performance as powerful media for education, identity, and social cohesion.
African Music Programme
Out of a few departments in South Africa, our choral programme offers African choral music. Our African choral programme focuses on culturally relevant performance using African choral traditions. Students engage with repertoire that emphasises oral transmission, movement, language, and cultural context. This fosters a deeper understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and expands the scope of choral conducting practice.
Facilities
Students in the Conducting Division have access to world-class facilities that support both rehearsal and performance.
- Dedicated rehearsal venues with excellent acoustics.
- Access to concert halls, including professional performance spaces.
- A specialised music library with extensive choral scores and recordings.
- Recording and audio-visual resources for practice analysis and research.
These resources enable students to engage fully with both the artistic and academic dimensions of conducting.
Conclusion
The Conducting Division at Stellenbosch University offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking education that integrates artistry, scholarships, and social engagement. By cultivating technically skilled, musically sensitive, and contextually aware conductors, the division prepares students to shape the future of choral and instrumental music – locally and globally.
Lecturers
What can I study?
Instrumental and Choral conducting aims for excellence and to be internationally competitive. Students can apply to study conducting as an A or B-instrument on all undergraduate programme levels, Master's or PhD.
Undergraduate
- Conducting forms part of the Higher Certificate, Diploma in Practical Music, Advanced Diploma, BA. Mus, BMus curriculum, where students receive foundational training in conducting technique, teaching methods, repertoire studies, and ensemble leadership.
- Practical experience is integrated through participation in departmental choirs, orchestras, wind ensemble and jazz big band.
Postgraduate
- Advanced study is available through B.Mus. Honours, M.Mus., and PhD.
- These programmes combine practical conducting work and academic research, preparing graduates for careers in professional conducting, academia, and arts leadership.
Area-Specific Groups & Projects
The projects within the Conducting Division reflect a strong commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and scholarly inquiry. These initiatives – such as workshops, performances, and teaching, provide students with meaningful, real-world experience.
Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir (SUCC)
The Stellenbosch University Chamber Choir is a vibrant and diverse ensemble made up of primarily students and alumni from Stellenbosch University’s music department, alongside enthusiastic non-music students. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Martin Berger, SUCC is celebrated for its excellence, emotional depth, and inclusive spirit. Our choir reflects a commitment to both musical innovation and cultural diversity, bringing together voices from many backgrounds and musical traditions.
Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra (SYO)
This developmental group was reestablished in 2023 to provide a platform for school-based learners to gain valuable symphonic orchestral experience that is not always available in local schools. Furthermore, it is a key ensemble for student conductors to develop their own skills with school-level musicians.
Jazz Band (SUJB)
The SU Jazz Band is a vehicle for students who love jazz and comprises students of the degree, the certificate programmes as well as high school learners. It creates a vibrant flow of energy and cross-pollination of skills between members.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble (USSWE)
Established in 1976 with only 10 members, this was the first university level Wind Band to be established in the Western Cape. The aim of this group is to train players in the art wind ensemble playing, as it is the most common instrumental group found in South African schools today.
Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO)
This ensemble is the premier community-based orchestra in the Western Cape. It creates for current students and graduates of music and other fields to continue playing in an orchestral ensemble well after studies have been completed, but also focuses on youth development through its outreach programs.
Schola Cantorum (SC)
Schola Cantorum is the academic residential choir of Stellenbosch University’s music department, under the leadership of Dr. Martin Berger. It is composed of passionate singers, ranging from students, professionals and retirees. Schola Cantorum is a vibrant and committed ensemble that combines artistic excellence with a deep love for choral music. Our choir serves as a musical community where members not only perform but also grow as musicians, sharing a unique space for learning, collaboration, and creative expression.
Symphony Orchestra (USSO)
The aim of the orchestra is to provide music students with first-hand training for their profession, as well as offering talented players of orchestral instruments doing other courses, experience in symphonic orchestral playing.
