The Master of Music in Conducting at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³» prepares emerging conductors for leadership in professional, educational, and community music settings through intensive podium experience, individualized mentorship, and comprehensive musical training. Students work closely with distinguished conducting faculty while refining their artistic vision, rehearsal techniques, score study skills, and leadership abilities. Designed for conductors seeking advanced preparation beyond the undergraduate level, the program fosters both technical excellence and the versatility required for today's evolving musical profession.

Unlike many graduate conducting programs, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³» provides extensive hands-on opportunities across multiple ensemble traditions. Students select an emphasis in wind, orchestral, or choral conducting while gaining meaningful experience in all areas, including opera and music theater. Through regular work with the major ensembles of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, conductors develop a broad and practical skill set while receiving personalized faculty guidance. This cross-disciplinary approach, combined with Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»'s vibrant performance culture and collaborative musical community, prepares graduates to excel as conductors, educators, and artistic leaders in a wide range of professional settings.
| Program of Study | Credit Hours: | 32 | ||||||
| Required Courses: (projected semester rotation subject to change) | 17 | |||||||
| MUS 5113 Theory in Perspective (fall) or | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5163 Analytical Techniques (fall) or | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5133 Nineteenth-Century Analysis (fall) | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5153 The Performing Teacher-Scholar (fall) | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5213 Twentieth Century Music, Style, and Structure (spring) | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5372-5472 Applied Music: Major Performance Medium | 8 | |||||||
| One of the following courses (except vocal performance and guitar performance): | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5623 Orchestral Literature Seminar (spring) or | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5723 Organ Literature Seminar (spring, odd) or | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5823 Keyboard Literature Seminar (spring, odd) or | 3 | |||||||
| MUS 5923 Wind Literature Seminar (spring) or | 3 | |||||||
| Vocal Performance: Two of the following courses are required: | 4 | |||||||
| MUS 5422 Vocal Literature Seminar 1: German Lieder (fall, odd) | 2 | |||||||
| MUS 5532 Vocal Literature Seminar 2: French Melodies (spring, even) | 2 | |||||||
| MUS 5632 Vocal Literature Seminar 3: Italian and Spanish Song (fall, even) | 2 | |||||||
| MUS 5732 Vocal Literature Seminar 4: Songs in English (spring, odd) | 2 | |||||||
| Guitar Performance: | 4 | |||||||
| MUS 5822 Guitar Literature I (fall) | 2 | |||||||
| MUS 5922 Guitar Literature II (spring) | 2 | |||||||
| Other Requirements: |
| 11 - 12 | ||||||
| MUS 6071 Recital | 1 | |||||||
| MUS 6072 Graduate Comprehensive Review Project | 2 | |||||||
| MUS 5102 Musicological Methods (fall) | 2 | |||||||
| Electives | 6 - 7 | |||||||
Audition: The conducting audition will take place on-campus with one of the University's major ensembles on a pre-assigned piece. Candidates will also be required to submit video recordings of conducting to their University Application on Slate prior to being invited to campus.
Interview: MM Conducting applicants will interview with the conducting faculty by appointment.
The Wanda L. Bass School of Music is proud to offer Graduate Assistantships in the following areas:
Graduate Assistantships include a full tuition waiver and stipend.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»'s graduate assistantships require ongoing ensemble participation and are contracted for 10 hours, which provides our graduate students with the freedom to pursue practice time, gigging, competitions, and projects.
