MusM with a Major in Conducting

Applicants must meet the general prerequisite requirements for the MusM program. Each candidate must submit a preliminary video by December 15, before an audition can be scheduled. In addition to the video, applicants should include a resume, repertoire list, and a list of references. (This is in addition to application requirements.)

Conducting—Orchestral Emphasis

This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the candidate in rehearsal and/or performance with an orchestral ensemble. The repertoire for the live audition will be chosen from the following works:

  • Beethoven, Symphonies 1 and 2
  • Mozart Overture to Die Zauberflöte
  • Stravinsky, L’histoire du Soldat: “Royal March” and “Petit Concert”

The audition will also include an individual interview that will examine skills in conducting, sight-singing (in all clefs), keyboard, dictation, musical terminology, score-reading, orchestration, and analysis. Each candidate will also be asked to perform on his or her principal instrument. Selected candidates will conduct an ensemble as the final part of the audition.

Conducting—Choral Emphasis

This tape should include 20–30 minutes of the candidate in rehearsal and/or performance with a choral ensemble. The repertoire for the live audition consists of the following pieces:

  • Bach, Cantata No. 131, “Aus der Tiefe rufe ich,” final chorus (“Israel hoffe auf den Hern”)
  • Mozart, “Lacrymosa” from Requiem
  • Britten, Rejoice in the Lamb, pp. 1–10 (through the “Nimrod” chorus)
  • Victoria, Ave Maria

Each candidate will also be asked to sing an art song and play a solo keyboard composition at the level of a Bach two-part invention.

Programs of Study

Orchestral Conducting
Choral Conducting