Master of Music in Conducting

This degree program offers professional training in the four major conducting areas -- choral, opera and musical theater, orchestral, and wind. Not more than one student will be admitted each year in each area, and each student will be awarded a conducting assistantship.

Major-field coursework includes both applied conducting (score reading, score analysis, and conducting with major ensembles) and two  literature courses in the major and minor conducting areas.

In addition to studying primarily with a major area professor, the student studies privately with professors in one or two minor conducting areas. There is a two-year residency requirement. Each student must conduct a complete recital in the major area. It is recommended that the student study with the major professor during semesters 1, 3, and 4, and with a minor professor in semester 2. With permission of the primary professor and the graduate chair, the student may elect to study in two different minor areas during semesters 2 and 3 (one each semester) but will not study in the major area during those semesters.

Applicants are required to submit a list of compositions studied for conducting during the past three years, indicating those works conducted in public performances. The list may also include works studied beyond the three-year minimum.

Applicants are also required to submit an initial screening video recording of a performance or rehearsal they conducted recently. This video recording must be submitted by January 15. The recording will be evaluated, and selected candidates will be invited to an in-person audition, which includes an interview and conducting in the major area. Opera and musical theater candidates must audition on piano.

Degree Requirements

*Students in the opera and musical theater area may substitute 2-3 credits of Independent Research in history and literature of the musical theater for one of the major-field literature courses, with permission of the graduate chair.