Graduate Conducting Program

The University of Utah School of Music offers both a Master of Music in Choral conducting and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting.

• The MM in Choral Conducting is designed for the musician who aspires to a career as a choral conductor at the high school or collegiate level.  The curriculum consists of weekly conducting seminars and private instruction that focus on technique and artistry, from score study to the physicality of artistic and effective conducting gestures.  Goals include the development of musicianship and technique, and the acquisition of knowledge of styles, repertoire and performance practices.  Graduate conductors participate in and conduct the university ensembles or other approved ensembles, take keyboard and/or voice lessons, and study choral literature in addition to a rich curriculum of upper-level history, theory, and research courses.

• The DMA in Conducting is appropriate for advanced conductors who have experienced successful teaching/conducting and whose abilities show potential for successful collegiate and/or professional conducting or performing.  Several years of teaching/conducting is generally expected while superior musicianship and solid conducting technique are required.  Goals include the advancement of performers to the highest level of technical mastery and artistic expression, study in a related field which could prepare students for teaching in a secondary area, and refinement in the ability to engage in independent research.  The curriculum is designed to allow students flexibility in emphasizing particular interests while insuring a broad perspective of advanced knowledge and skill development.  Students will be provided with professional level experiences in rehearsal, performance and repertoire for successful, lifelong careers in conducting.

All students who participate in a graduate program will study masterworks from various periods, and will become skilled in orchestral and instrumental repertoires as well as in choral ensemble conducting.  Graduate students in conducting benefit from the guidance of a choral mentor who, in collaboration with other members of the faculty, advises them throughout their academic program and performance preparation.  The outstanding quality of the graduate students ensures a challenging and inspiring environment and a high level of excellence.  Graduates of the U of U's master's and doctoral programs hold key teaching and conducting positions throughout the United States.

Meet the Graduates

Meet the Current Students