Master of Music in Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind)

Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind) - MM5199

School of Music
497 Glidden Hall
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740.593.4244
fisherc@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring

Program Overview

The students in the Master of Music Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, or Wind) degree program benefit from a fully immersive apprenticeship that affords them the opportunity to develop experience and skills in all aspects of the art and profession of conducting. The conducting faculty are very active at the state, regional, national, and international levels as guest conductors and lecturers and have extensive experience in conducting and conducting pedagogy. Each of the three degree-tracks features a mentorship between the student and the major faculty member, allowing for close interaction and evolving discussion on various aspects of conducting. Within the apprenticeship model, the students gain experience in nearly every area of their major conducting faculty’s teaching and administrative responsibilities. Graduate conducting students are assigned a conducting load so that they are always in one, if not multiple, rehearsal cycles between the various ensembles in their area, which grants them the chance to work with a variety of skill levels and to develop a broad range of repertoire. Throughout the duration of their residency (usually two years), a graduate conducting student will rehearse and perform with the appropriate select ensemble(s) multiple times. The faculty members encourage additional research and discussion in conducting literature, repertoire, organizational psychology, program philosophy, and physical efficiency and health to offer a holistic perspective and preparation in the field. Another strength of the program is the competitive stipend/benefits/tuition waiver assistantship package compared with other institutions of similar size and scope.  

The curriculum for the Master of Music Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind) is in compliance with the National Association of Schools of Music standards. The degree program emphasizes live contextual experiences that enhance the student’s manual/baton technique, non-verbal communication, rehearsal skills, aural differentiation, and musical interpretation. Additional related studies include theory, history, literature/repertoire, score study and analysis, as well as continued study in the candidate’s particular applied area (instrumental or voice).

Program Learning Outcomes

In successfully pursuing an Ohio University Master of Music degree, students will

1. Develop advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the area of specialization.
2. Demonstrate professional competence in the area of specialization before peers and faculty.
3. Produce a final project or equivalent reviewed by more than one faculty member.

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the Master of Music in Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, or Wind) degree program have been successful in gaining admission to doctoral programs across the United States, and in securing prominent conducting engagements and teaching positions at the university, public school, and church levels.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/music/graduate/conducting

Link to Program Handbook: https://www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/music/student-resources-materials

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Music as described in the Ohio University School of Music Graduate Handbook: http://www.ohio.edu/finearts/music/upload/ghb-14-15-6-16-14.pdf. Qualified candidates should submit a face-to-the-camera digital video (DVD, mp4, YouTube video are some of the possible formats) demonstrating 10-20 minutes of their conducting ability in a rehearsal or performance situation. Pending approval by the conducting faculty, prospective students will be invited to campus for an audition/interview. All auditioning students will:

• Rehearse and conduct a major university ensemble
• Perform a representative work on their major instrument that demonstrates technical ability and musical competence 
• Demonstrate sight-singing and aural skills  
• Demonstrate keyboard facility
• Interview with the conducting faculty
• Meet with the current graduate conducting studio

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.  

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Music in Conducting requires a minimum of 33 credit hours.