MM - Conducting Concentration

The Master of Music (MM) degree, conducting concentration, is designed to accommodate a small number of students (up to four per year) who receive extensive individualized conducting preparation with the university’s resident band and orchestra conductors. Candidates have rehearsal/conducting opportunities with both large and small ensembles.

Admission

Students must have completed a baccalaureate degree in music. Contingent upon admission into the conducting program and the approval of the appropriate conducting faculty member, all candidates should be prepared to:

  1. Complete a satisfactory conducting audition conducting a university ensemble;
  2. Perform on their primary performing instrument;
  3. Demonstrate their understanding of score analysis; and/or
  4. Complete a personal interview.

Program Requirements

The MM degree requires completion of a minimum of 32 graduate credit hours, including a thesis or recital as indicated for the respective concentration. In addition to the core requirements for all MM concentrations, the program culminates in a conducting recital using university students and ensembles. Metropolitan or ad hoc ensembles may be substituted with faculty approval.

Each plan of study must include 12 credit hours in the MM core requirement, including:

Course Title Hours
Core Required for all MM Concentrations
MUSC 852Introduction to Bibliography and Research3
MUSC 830Seminar in Music Theory3
Select 6 credit hours from the following in history and theory:6
Topics in Music Analysis
Seminar in Music History pre-1750
Seminar in Music History post-1750
Courses Required for Concentration
Approved Electives6
Music or nonmusic courses 500 or above; May include applied lessons, ensembles, languages, etc. Courses must be approved by faculty advisor
Approved Ensembles — conducting observation laboratories assigned by major advisor4
Wind Ensemble (repeatable)
Orchestra (repeatable)
Symphonic Band (repeatable)
Concert Chorale (repeatable)
Other Requirements
MUSP 790CSpecial Topics: Conducting2
MUSP 790RSpecial Topics: Score Analysis2
MUSP 790KPerformance Practicum2
MUSP 790ADRehearsal Techniques2
Graduate Conducting Recital
MUSP 873Graduate Recital (repeatable)2
Total Credit Hours32

Examinations

All degree candidates in the School of Music must pass an oral comprehensive examination. The oral comprehensive examination for thesis candidates includes a thesis defense.

Applied Learning 

Students in the Master of Music - conducting concentration are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by a terminal conducting recital ( MUSP 873) given in their second year.