The Master of Music, Instrumental Conducting Specialization 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 conducting student. The degree requires a two-year residency on the CSU campus.
The specialization offers students the opportunity to conduct a 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.
Orchestral Conducting
The M.M., Conducting Specialization trains and prepares conductors to serve as professional and educational leaders of 21st-century orchestras. This program provides unparalleled education and hands-on experience across a variety of orchestral opportunities. Students learn by doing through substantial podium time with our concert and symphony orchestras, and opera. The program is tailored to the needs and abilities of each student in helping them to consider, shape, and achieve their unique path to the podium.
Band/Wind Conducting
For students focused on band conducting, this is a program of advanced study in repertoire and advanced wind/percussion techniques with a strong supporting program of theoretical and analytical studies. Graduate band/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.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Develop the skill, intellect, and musicianship necessary among those who wish to become the next generation of leaders in the conducting field.
- Develop a method of score study to help in all educational and professional settings.
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Develop the skills necessary to lead ensembles in their specific discipline (band or orchestra, including theatrical accompaniment) with best-practice rehearsal strategies and methodology.
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Conduct repertoire in all three disciplines of varying difficulty levels, spanning many genres and time periods.
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Integrate best-practice rehearsal strategies with sound conducting technique to inform instruction with conducting gestures.
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Develop the ability to think abstractly, analyze complex ideas or phenomena, synthesize or generalize knowledge across disciplines and sub-disciplines, interpret and apply scholarly findings to specialized topic areas, and communicate ideas effectively in oral and written forms.
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Develop an awareness of substantive publications in music and conducting.
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Describe the contemporary role of programming and assessment design in the teaching-learning process.
Admission
The conducting degrees accept a limited number of students who pursue a variety of professional goals, including education and directors of instrumental ensembles. Students who are full-time music educators at the middle/high school levels are 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 at least three years of full-time music/conducting employment and presently conduct a high school, religious, or community ensemble.
In addition to the admissions processes for the Graduate School and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, a personal audition with CSU Music faculty is required for admission into the choral graduate conducting program. Please visit the music website for details.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Music Program Fee
A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students. . Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.
Effective Spring 2012
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MU 517 | Tonal Analytic Techniques | 2 |
| MU 518 | Post-Tonal Analytic Techniques | 3 |
| MU 555 | Choral Techniques, Style, and Interpretation | 3 |
| MU 556 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting and Techniques | 3 |
| MU 566 | Choral Literature-Renaissance and Baroque | 2 |
| MU 567 | Choral Literature-1750 to Present | 2 |
| MU 630 | Methods of Music Research | 3 |
| MU 671 | Graduate Recital | 1 |
| MU 696I | Group Study: Performance 1 | 2 |
| MU *** | Music History 1 | 6 |
| Electives 1,2 | 5 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32 | |
A minimum of 32 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Specific courses will be approved by the student’s graduate committee. Students may be required to take additional course work as determined by diagnostic examinations and/or their graduate committee.
- 2
Students are encouraged to take a minimum of 2 credits in their applied area (MU 672A-V)
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |