Master of Music, Conducting Specialization (Choral, Instrumental)

The program is committed to musical excellence with a curriculum designed to build a well-rounded conductor/teacher, using the musical and personal strengths of the graduate choral conducting student.

By the completion of the program, the student will have developed advanced conducting skills and techniques that are appropriate to a variety of musical needs. The student will learn effective rehearsal techniques, score preparation, and become a knowledgeable scholar of important choral scores representing repertoire of various music periods and secular and sacred styles.

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.

A personal audition is required for admission into the graduate conducting program.

Choral Area

The choral area accepts a limited number of students who pursue a variety of professional goals, including education and directors of choral/instrumental ensembles. Students who are full-time music educators at the middle/high school levels will be considered if they have three years prior teaching experience and are presently conducting an ensemble(s). Students who are not public school educators must show a minimum of three years of full-time music/conducting employment and be presently conducting a high school, religious, or community ensemble.

Orchestra Area

This is a program of advanced study in orchestral conducting with a strong supporting program of theoretical and analytical studies. The degree is designed to guide the student toward the development of fluency in the language of gesture and to foster the understanding of diverse roles of the conductor.

Band Area

Students have the opportunity to conduct a broad range of ensembles in preparation for their career. The art of conducting is examined from the perspective of gesture and movement, score study/analysis/ear training, and rehearsal techniques and strategies. Graduate wind conducting students are also an integral part of the Athletic Bands Program, assisting with rehearsals and games and learning the administration of an athletic bands program. Details about applying to this program are available at: music.colostate.edu/graduate-wind-conducting.