The Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting is one of the four major graduate conducting areas offered at Ithaca College. Graduate conductors in the orchestral conducting program study primarily with Jeffery Meyer, Director of Orchestras, as well as work with other professors in one or two minor conducting areas (choral, music theater/opera, wind ensemble). The degree requires a two-year residency, and the program culminates in a full recital with the symphony and/or chamber orchestras.
Applicants are required to submit a video of a rehearsal and performance, a list of compositions studied and performed, as well as other supporting documents as required by the graduate admissions. After an initial screening, a small number of applicants are invited for an on campus audition, which includes rehearsal with one or both of the orchestras, an interview, demonstration of piano skills, and an aural skills examination. No more than one student will normally be admitted each year in each area, and each student will be awarded a conducting assistantship.
Major-field course work includes both applied conducting (score reading, score analysis, and conducting with major ensembles) and three literature courses in the major and minor conducting areas. There are numerous opportunities for additional conducting with the contemporary ensemble (Kulmusik), the student-run string orchestra, and other school and community ensembles. Guest masterclasses have included conductors such as Kenneth Kiesler (University of Michigan), Daniel Hege (Syracuse Symphony), and Laura Jackson (Atlanta Symphony). The select nature of the Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting program sets it apart from other master's conducting programs in the county by ensuring that there is a small number of graduate conductors. Because the numbers are kept low, the program can offer a maximum of individual attention and significant conducting opportunities. Graduate students study with the major conductors in all areas, have valuable podium time with the premiere ensembles, and join a serious and committed community of developing conductors.
