The Master of Music (MM) degree in conducting, 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:
- Complete a satisfactory conducting audition conducting a university ensemble;
- Perform on their primary performing instrument;
- Demonstrate their understanding of score analysis; and/or
- Complete a personal interview.
Program Requirements
Students must complete the coursework listed below.
Students entering all MM programs will take a music theory assessment and are recommended to one of two music theory entry courses. The program requires a total of 32 credit hours, at least half of which must be in courses numbered 700 and above.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements for All MM Concentrations | ||
| MUSC 852 | Introduction to Bibliography and Research | 3 |
| MUSC 829 | Practical Application of Tonal Analysis | 2 |
| or MUSC 831 | Music Theory Pedagogy | |
| Musicology/Theory Electives | ||
| Select 7 credits from the following courses | 7 | |
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Performance and Analysis | ||
| Topics in Analysis: Music in Media | ||
| Topics in Analysis: Popular Music Analysis | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Aesthetics | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Ethnography | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Gender | ||
| Topics in Musicology: Popular Musics | ||
| Music Theory Pedagogy 1 | ||
| Seminar in Music Theory | ||
| Seminar in Music History | ||
| Conduction Requirements | ||
| Required Conducting Study | ||
| MUSP 790C | Special Topics: Conducting | 2 |
| MUSP 790R | Special Topics: Score Analysis | 2 |
| MUSP 790K | Performance Practicum | 2 |
| MUSP 790AD | Rehearsal Techniques | 2 |
| Approved Ensembles | ||
| Conducting observation laboratories assigned by major advisor | 4 | |
| Wind Ensemble (repeatable) | ||
| Orchestra (repeatable) | ||
| Symphonic Band (repeatable) | ||
| Concert Chorale (repeatable) | ||
| Approved Electives | ||
| Select music or nonmusic courses 500 or above; may include applied lessons, ensembles, languages, etc. Courses must be approved by the faculty advisor. | 6 | |
| Graduate Recital | ||
| MUSP 873 | Graduate Recital (repeatable) | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
A conducting recital must be presented using university students and ensembles. Metropolitan or ad hoc ensembles may be substituted with faculty approval.
Examinations
All degree candidates in the School of Music who are not defending a thesis must pass a two-part comprehensive exam: one in musicology/music theory and one which is discipline specific.
Applied Learning
Students in the Master of Music in conducting 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.