Conducting - M.M. Download to print

The Master of Music in Conducting is designed for current teachers of middle, junior and senior high school music ensemble programs, for professional church musicians, and for pre-prefessionals such as students continuing after completing undergraduate degrees. The latter are preparing for entering teaching at the secondary or college level, entering the professional conducting market or students who plan to pursue a DMA or PHD program in conducting. The degree emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire; conducting technique; rehearsal technique; score study; choral and/or instrumental performance pedagogy; historical performance practices; interpretation and expression.
 

Official transcript(s); 3.0 GPA; goal statement(s); resume; three letters of recommendation; and audition.

Please refer to the university policy for graduate admission.

Minimum 32 total credit hours.
 

1. Students are able to recognize, identify, interpret and conduct representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
2. Students demonstrate and apply advanced conducting techniques including baton technique, use of hands/arms, facial expressions and body language.
3. Students demonstrate the ability to plan and execute an efficient and productive rehearsal including time management, setting achievable goals, ability to detect and correct errors, providing motivation and inspiration for expressive performance and focused work ethic.
4. Students utilize and discuss score study techniques such as keyboard score reading, transposition of instruments, instrumental/vocal score order, compositional structure, analysis of chord and melodic structures and audiation skills.
5. Students identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific vocal or instrumental area of study.
6. Students identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performance practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
7. Students display interpretation and expression in music through discussion in conducting lessons, explanation in rehearsals and demonstration in rehearsal and performance settings through conducting gestures and the resulting musical product.