Department of Choir Conducting

Head of the Department:
Prof. Gintautas Venislovas
E-mail: gintautas.venislovas@lmta.lt

Coordinator
Lukas Sandhu
E-mail: lukas.sandhu@lmta.lt
Phone: +370 603 04 028
LMTA Building 2, Vilniaus 6-2, 01110 Vilnius, Room 2216.

Address:
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Building 2 
Vilniaus 6-2, LT-01110 Vilnius
Room 2314

Department artistic group: LMTA Mixed Choir 

The Department of Choral Conducting trains professional choral conductors. The department aims to develop students’ musical abilities, encourage artistic expression, and deepen their knowledge in the field of choral conducting. Throughout their studies, students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career as a choral conductor. The programme covers choral conducting, singing, score reading, choral arranging, choir management, choral music history, and other related subjects.

The department places great emphasis on fostering students’ creativity and encouraging participation in international competitions and seminars. Students have the opportunity to refine their skills by working with various choirs and performing concert programs both in Lithuania and abroad.

Experienced professors, performers, and conductors help students develop their technique and musical understanding. Moreover, the department collaborates with other music institutions in Lithuania and internationally, promoting global exchange and partnerships for students.

Due to its high-quality education and dedication to musical arts, the Department of Choral Conducting is an excellent place for nurturing talented conductors who contribute to the development of cultural life.

Each academic year, the department organizes choral conducting masterclasses, inviting renowned choral conductors from abroad such as Prof. M. Sirmais, Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Franków-Żelazny, Prof. J. Schumacher, and others. Additionally, every few years, the department initiates and hosts the international J. Naujalis Choral Conductors’ Competition.

Study Programmes

The Department offers three continuously updated degree programmes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Conducting (BA)  – students gain practical and theoretical fundamentals of conducting, explore historically developed traditions of choral music interpretation, and familiarize themselves with the latest global trends.
• Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting (MA) – Students develop professional skills necessary for creative work, ensuring opportunities for independent artistic development both in Lithuania and internationally.
• Doctoral Studies in Arts (DA) – the programme involves high-level artistic and research projects, supervised by distinguished LMTA and international music specialists. Doctoral students focus on specific aspects of concert programme development and performance opportunities. Successful completion of the doctoral project and the attainment of a Doctor of Arts degree grants the right to teach at higher education institutions across Europe (universities, academies, etc.).

Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students (2 BSI/month*).
• Senate scholarships (3.1 BSI/month) are granted for outstanding academic, artistic, and research achievements.
• One-time scholarships (up to 7 BSI per semester) support active artistic and creative work.
• The Lithuanian Research Council funds doctoral stipends (19–22 BSI/month) and academic travel expenses.

(*BSI – Basic Social Indicator, used to calculate scholarship amounts)