Conducting

Colorado State University offers an outstanding program in graduate conducting, with instrumental and choral specializations; undergraduate conducting courses are also available. CSU provides a nationally-renowned conducting faculty, superb facilities designed for conducting instruction, and high quality ensembles for laboratory experiences.

Study With

Rebecca Phillips

  • Professor of Music
  • Conducting
  • Director of Bands

Rebecca.Phillips@colostate.edu

James Kim

  • Associate Professor of Music
  • Director of Choral Activities

James.Kim@colostate.edu

Jayme Taylor

  • Associate Director of Bands
  • Director of Athletic Bands
  • Assistant Professor of Music

Jayme.Taylor@colostate.edu

Rachel Waddell

  • Assistant Professor of Music
  • Director of Orchestras
  • Conducting

rachel.waddell@colostate.edu

Kevin Poelking

  • Instructor of Music
  • Assistant Director of Bands
  • Instructor of Undergraduate Conducting

Kevin.Poelking@colostate.edu

Degree Programs

Undergraduate Conducting

Within the B.M. Music Education Concentration, students take a rigorous academic program in theory, composition, history, orchestration, and secondary instruments which prepares them for the level of musicianship required of the modern conductor. Additionally, students perform in high quality ensembles, such as choir, wind ensemble, symphonic band, orchestra, and jazz bands, which are directed by some of the finest conductors in the nation. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of conducting in a beginning conducting class in the fall of their junior year. In the spring of the junior year, students take an advanced conducting class focusing in either instrumental or vocal conducting. Students receive hands-on conducting experience with the wind ensemble, symphonic band, choirs, and in their student-teaching (music education).

Graduate Conducting

To develop the musicianship and skills that will be important for the student's future professional success, graduate courses are organized in the areas of music literature and theory, the choral/vocal instrument, conducting, and teaching.

Master of Music, Conducting Specialization (Choral, Instrumental) – Full time/on-campus

Master of Music, Music Education—Conducting Specialization: Distance degree with summer residency

The unique program is designed for music educators, enabling students to earn a master’s degree while continuing to work full-time. Except for a two-week summer seminar held on the CSU campus, all coursework can be completed online or using your own school orchestra, choir, or band as your conducting laboratory. DEGREE DETAILS

News and Events

Conducting Events

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Conducting News

Rachel Waddell headshot

Announcing Dr. Rachel Waddell as the new director of orchestras at CSU

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The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is thrilled to introduce Dr. Rachel Waddell as the next conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestras at Colorado State University. Dr. Waddell comes to CSU from the University of Rochester where she has served as the director of orchestral activities. She is the co-founder […]

Rebecca Phillips Conducting ABA

Dr. Rebecca Phillips Honored as Guest Conductor of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band

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Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Colorado State University, grew up in Washington D.C., attending many military band concerts. Phillip’s father and grandfather were trombonists in the U.S. Navy Band, which instilled in her a natural reverence for military band traditions. Phillips was incredibly honored when Col. Jason K. Fettig, […]