Conducting, M.M. | Houghton University

Making the Music Happen

To conduct. To shape a diverse group of musicians into a coherent, disciplined, and vibrant whole. To truly value and champion the collaborative aspects of music-making. To be a leader: disciplined, self-motivated, and demanding.

We encourage musicians with these interests to consider the master of music degree in conducting. Building on a long tradition of excellent performing ensembles, the Greatbatch School of Music seeks to shape motivated, dedicated musicians into conductors with outstanding musical understanding, solid technical preparation, effective rehearsal techniques, and broad stylistic expertise.

Graduate conducting candidates should demonstrate strong technical gifts and solid musical and academic accomplishment. Admission to this curriculum is highly selective, with only one or two candidates per year admitted in each area (vocal and instrumental).

Program Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:

service as musical leaders within their local and regional communities, educational institutions, and musical organizations.
undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further conducting experiences.
beginning doctoral studies in conducting.

Degree Requirements

Choral Conducting

Instrumental Conducting

Major Areas

CONC 501-503: Graduate Applied Conducting

3 Credits

MUS 526-529: Advanced Choral Conducting Seminar

9 Credits

Topics rotate; three semesters required

PERF 585: Graduate Recital

0 Credits

The student must video record each of his or her public conducting performances throughout his or her tenure as a graduate student, the equivalent of a full concert of material. At the conclusion of the final semester of study, a portfolio of these recordings must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Committee for approval, as a culminating demonstration of professional capacity in the major field.

*The student must enroll in PERF 585 for the semester in which the cumulative portfolio project is submitted.

MUS 541-543: Graduate Ensemble: College Choir

0 Credits

The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit, in consultation with the directors of choral and instrumental activities.

MUS 576: Applied Music Pedagogy: Voice

2 Credits

Major Areas

CONI 501-503: Graduate Applied Conducting

12 Credits

PERF 585: Graduate Recital

0 Credits

Final Project

The student shall prepare and publicly conduct one full concert (or equivalent in separate public appearances) with the appropriate ensemble. The candidate must also submit concert program notes that demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the repertoire conducted. Finally, candidates will compile a digital portfolio of materials to assist in the next step of their careers, whether that be a job in higher education, public school teaching, church ministry, or a doctoral conducting program.

MUS 54X: Graduate Ensemble: Wind Ensemble and/or Symphony Orchestra

0 Credits

The student must enroll in an appropriate major ensemble [or accompanying] each semester of residence, with or without credit, in consultation with the directors of choral and instrumental activities.

Choose from among the following for a total of 2 credits:

MLT 532: Large Instrumental Ensemble Literature

2 Credits

MUS 530: Advanced Instrumental Conducting Seminar

4 Credits
Topics rotate
2 semesters required

Other Studies in Music

MHS 520: Research and Bibliography

2 Credits

MUS 501: Graduate Assistants' Forum

0 Credits

Required of all graduate assistants; open to, but not required of, all other graduate students

CHOOSE FROM AMONG THE FOLLOWING FOR A TOTAL OF 6 CREDITS:

CHOOSE ONE MUSIC HISTORY COURSE AND ONE THEORY COURSE.

MHS 590: Seminar in Music History

3 Credits

Topics vary by semester

MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History

3 Credits

MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music

3 Credits

MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration

3 Credits

MTH 501: Theory Pedagogy

3 Credits

MTH 558: Sixteenth Century Counterpoint

3 Credits

MTH 563: Form and Analysis

3 Credits

MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications

3 Credits

MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory

3 Credits

Other Studies in Music

MHS 520: Research and Bibliography

2 Credits

MUS 501: Graduate Assistants' Forum

0 Credits

Required of all graduate assistants; open to, but not required of, all other graduate students.

Choose from among the following for a total of 6 credits:

Choose one music history course and one theory course.

MHS 590: Seminar in Music History

3 Credits

Topics vary by semester

MHS 595: Special Topics in Music History

3 Credits

MTH 567: Systems of Analysis and Contemporary Art Music

3 Credits

MTH 566: Advanced Orchestration

3 Credits

MTH 501: Theory Pedagogy

3 Credits

MTH 558: Sixteenth Century Counterpoint

3 Credits

MTH 563: Form and Analysis

3 Credits

MTH 475: Synthesizer/Computer Applications

3 Credits

MTH 595: Special Topics in Music Theory

3 Credits

Humanities

MHUM 501: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective

3 Credits

Humanities

MHUM 501: Seminar: Music, Worship and Culture in Christian Perspective

3 Credits

Electives

Music courses numbered 500 or above

7 Credits

*No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree.

**A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor

Electives

Music courses numbered 500 or above

7 Credits

*No more than 2 credit hours of ensemble may count as music elective hours toward the degree.

**A limited number of music courses numbered 400 or above may also be taken as electives, with the approval of the graduate advisor.

What Graduates Say:

Discover if a Graduate Assistantship is right for you.

Graduate assistantships are available each year to MA and MM students in the Greatbatch School of Music. Generally, these positions are awarded to students within their major field of study or for services in which they hold special expertise.

Learn more about graduate assistantships