MM in Music with Emphasis in Conducting
Choral Conducting
Through focus on practical conducting skills while integrating the academic areas of theory, history and pedagogy, this degree is designed to prepare the graduate for a career in conducting or teaching, or for doctoral study. Conducting opportunities include conducting labs, ad hoc ensembles, and five regular ensembles. We also regularly offer opportunities to study with national and international figures. Former guests include Peter Phillips, Joseph Flummerfelt, Erwin Ortner, Amy Kaiser, Simon Carrington and Charles Bruffy.
Orchestral Conducting
Through continued development of performance skills and overall musicianship, this degree is designed to prepare the graduate for a career in conducting or teaching, or for doctoral study. Students receive individual conducting lessons and regular podium time with the orchestra.
Wind Conducting
Through focus on practical conducting skills while integrating the academic areas of theory, history and pedagogy, this degree is designed to prepare the graduate for a career in conducting or teaching, or for doctoral study. Conducting and teaching opportunities include three concert ensembles, assisting with courses in basic conducting, score reading, and rehearsal techniques, and working and traveling with athletic bands, including Marching Mizzou.
Degree Requirements
Choral Conducting Required Courses
The masters focusing on choral conducting requires successful completion of 31 credit hours.
| Required Courses | ||
| MUS_H_LI 8313 | Introduction to Graduate Study | 3 |
| MUS_I_VT 8673 | Advanced Choral Conducting (Taken two semesters for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| MUS_I_VT 8674 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting (Band or Orchestra) | 2 |
| MUS_I_VR 8765 | Choral Repertory (Taken two semesters for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| MUS_APMS 7455 | Studio Instruction | 2 |
| MUS_APMS 8970 | Graduate Recital (Taken twice for a total of 2 credits) | 2 |
Additional coursework required as determined by student and advisor, to include: Music Theory (3 credits), Music History (3 credits), Music Theory or History elective (3 credits), Choral Ensemble or Opera Workshop (1 per semester for 4 semesters, for a total of 4 credits), Music or Non-Music Elective (1 credit)
Orchestral Conducting
The masters focusing on orchestral conducting requires successful completion of 30 credit hours.
| Required Courses | ||
| MUS_H_LI 8313 | Introduction to Graduate Study | 3 |
| MUS_I_VT 8674 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting (One orchestral, one band, for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| MUS_I_VT 8673 | Advanced Choral Conducting | 2 |
| MUS_I_VR 8775 | Orchestral Repertory (Taken two semesters for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| MUS_ENS 8841 | Instrumental Ensemble (Taken four semesters for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
| MUS_APMS 8970 | Graduate Recital (Taken twice for a total of 2 credits) | 2 |
Additional coursework required as determined by student and advisor, to include: Music Theory (3 credits), Music History (3 credits), Music Theory or History elective (3 credits), Music or Non-Music Electives (2 credits)
Wind Conducting
The masters focusing on wind conducting requires successful completion of 30 credit hours.
| Required Courses | ||
| MUS_H_LI 8313 | Introduction to Graduate Study | 3 |
| MUS_I_VT 8674 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting (Band) | 2 |
| MUS_I_VT 8689 | Band Techniques | 3 |
| MUS_I_VR 8770 | Band Repertory | 3 |
| MUS_APMS 8970 | Graduate Recital (Taken twice for a total of 2 credits) | 2 |
| MUS_ENS 8841 | Instrumental Ensemble (Taken four semesters for a total of 4 credits) | 4 |
Additional coursework required as determined by student and advisor, to include: Either a semester of MUS_I_VT 8673 (Advanced Choral or Conducting) or an additional semester of MUS_I_VT 8674 (2 credits - Orchestra), Music Theory (3 credits), Music History (3 credits), Music Theory or History elective (3 credits), Music or Non-Music Electives (2 credits)
Additional Requirements for all focus areas
- Conducting majors must present two conducting recitals, each 45 minutes in length, or the equivalent, in large ensemble conducting appearances.
- Comprehensive Examination (see School of Music website for additional information)
- All courses must be at the 7000 or 8000 level, and at least 15 credits must be at the 8000 level
- No more than one course with a grade lower than B- may count toward completion of the degree
Admission Criteria
Prerequisites for Choral Conducting
- Bachelor's degree in music (or demonstrated equivalent)
- GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours
- Basic keyboard skills
- Two undergraduate conducting courses
- Previous conducting experience
- Proficiency in French, Italian, and German diction
- Proficiency in vocal pedagogy
If an applicant does not meet the required prerequisites, then appropriate course(s) may be added to the degree requirements.
Prerequisites Orchestral Conducting
- Bachelor's degree in music (or demonstrated equivalent)
- GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours
- 2 undergraduate conducting courses
- Previous conducting experience
If an applicant does not meet the required prerequisites, then appropriate course(s) may be added to the degree requirements.
Prerequisites for Wind Conducting
- Bachelor's degree in music (or demonstrated equivalent)
- GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours
- Two undergraduate conducting courses
- Previous conducting experience
If an applicant does not meet the required prerequisites, then appropriate course(s) may be added to the degree requirements.
Admissions
For admission requirements, refer to the Graduate School’s website for the minimum qualifications for the MM in Music. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program’s graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility, auditions, and the application process. Before official admissions to the University of Missouri, your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied.