Conducting Studies

Master of Music Degree in Conducting (Band, Choral, Orchestral) 

The Master of Music in Conducting (Band, Choral, Orchestral) degree program is designed to prepare, promote, guide, and encourage students to aspire to the highest artistic and intellectual standards. In addition to studying. In addition to studying with a major teacher, conducting students receive the opportunity to work directly with the major performing ensembles in their respective area. Each student will accrue conducting time in public performances. The total of these appearances will serve as the degree recital. All performances, both on- and off-campus, will be arranged in conjunction with the major professor and must be approved by the conducting faculty. These experiences are the foundation for developing highly qualified, professional conductors of bands, choirs, and orchestras.  

Admission Procedures 

Admission to the Master of Music in Conducting degree program requires admission to the School of Music as described in the Ohio University School of Music Graduate Handbook. Qualified candidates should submit a face-to-the-camera video recording (via YouTube, video file, or DVD) demonstrating 10-20 minutes of their conducting ability, with a preference for both rehearsal and performance on the same music included. Pending approval by the conducting faculty, prospective students will be invited to campus for an audition/interview.

All auditioning students will

• Rehearse and conduct a university ensemble
• Perform a representative work on their major instrument that demonstrates technical ability and musical competence (if requested)
• Demonstrate sight-singing and aural skills
• Demonstrate keyboard facility (choral and orchestral)

Graduate Certificate in Conducting (Band, Choral, Orchestral) 

The Graduate Conducting Certificate Program prepares students to be effective conductors. The program benefits those students seeking to teach music in public schools, perform, or study conducting at the graduate level by providing in-depth skill development in manual technique, rehearsal skills, score study, repertoire and programming knowledge, ear training, and error detection. This will provide an additional skill that can increase the marketability in the field for a student in a non-conducting graduate degree program. When paired with a graduate music degree, the certificate offers a distinctive credential for the student's next professional goal, whether it be employment in the field or doctoral-level studies in music.

Admission requires an undergraduate degree in music, enrollment in the graduate music program, and an application interview with the certificate director.

Undergraduate Minor in Conducting

The Undergraduate Conducting Certificate Program prepares students to be effective conductors. The program will benefit those students seeking to teach music in public schools, perform, or study conducting at the graduate level by providing in-depth skill development in manual technique, rehearsal skills, score study, repertoire and programming knowledge, ear training, and error detection. When paired with a music degree, the certificate offers a distinctive credential for the student’s next professional goal, whether it be employment in the field or graduate-level studies in music.

Admission requires junior standing, an application interview with the certificate director, and prerequisite courses.

For additional questions regarding Conducting programs, please contact the appropriate band, choral, or orchestral program director: 

Dr. William Talley
Director of Bands
wtalley@ohio.edu

Dr. Bradley Naylor
Director of Choral Activities
naylorb@ohio.edu

Dr. José Rocha
Director of University Orchestras 
rocha@ohio.edu