GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Music in Conducting
Program Goals
The master of music in Conducting degree program is designed for the professional preparation of a conductor, with options in choral, orchestral, and band/wind ensemble music.
The program seeks to achieve this preparation by (1) development of conducting and ensemble rehearsal techniques, (2) exploration of a large body of music literature in the area of the option, (3) development of skills in music analysis and score preparation, and (4) continued development of a broad knowledge of music theory and history.
Students in this program are also encouraged to continue development of skills in performance or composition.
Program Description
The curriculum includes individual instruction in the techniques of conducting, score preparation, rehearsal preparation, and rehearsal techniques. Significant conducting experience with official University ensembles is included in the program, with at least one year of service as the assistant conductor for one or more of these ensembles. Public conducting performances and a master's paper are required.
Because candidates for this degree gain extensive experience conducting one or more university ensembles, the School of Music limits enrollment to ensure that all candidates can receive this important experience. Before beginning the application process, please check with the School to ensure that new candidates can be accommodated.
The program requires a minimum of 36 credits of course work. At least half of these credits must be at the 500-level or above, and at least 30 credits must be taken at University Park. Knowledge of the history and theory of Western art music must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of competency examinations or completion of specified remedial courses in addition to the curricular requirements as listed here. An oral examination in the area of concentration must be passed near the completion of the program.
The 36-credit requirement for each option follows:
Orchestral
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Orchestral conducting 8 credits
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Orchestral literature 8
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Integrative conducting seminar 2
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Score reading 1
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Music theory, music history, or
music literature in an area other
than the chosen option 9
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Introduction to music reference
and research materials 2
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Graduate degree performance 1
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Master's paper 1
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Electives 4
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Choral
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Choral conducting 8 credits
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Studies in choral literature 8
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Integrative conducting seminar 2
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Music theory, music history, or
music literature in an area other
than the chosen option 9
___________________________________________
Introduction to music reference
and research materials 2
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Graduate degree performance 1
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Master's paper 1
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Electives 5
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Band/Wind Ensemble
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Band/wind ensemble conducting 8 credits
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Studies in band/wind ensemble literature 8
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Integrative conducting seminar 2
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Music theory, music history, or
music literature in an area other
than the chosen option 9
___________________________________________
Introduction to music reference
and research materials 2
___________________________________________
Graduate degree performance 1
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Master's paper 1
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Electives 5
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In all options, unsatisfactory performance on the competency examinations in music history and theory taken at the beginning of the program may result in the necessity of additional course work.
Admission Requirements
A candidate applying for admission to the master's program in conducting should have completed a recognized bachelor's degree in music with at least a 2.8 junior-senior grade-point average. A typical bachelor’s degree in music includes the following:
a. 12-16 credits in music theory and analysis
b. 6-9 credits in music history
c. Courses in conducting, counterpoint, form and analysis, and orchestration
A candidate who is deficient in any area may be considered for admission, but must be prepared to make up the deficiency, without credit toward the degree.
Admission Procedures
The admission process begins with completion of the on-line graduate admission application (the new web address is http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/) and payment of the application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. Applications without fees cannot be processed. All other application materials including official transcripts and TOEFL score (international applicants only) must be sent to the School of Music.
The following are required to complete an application to the conducting program:
1. Two letters of recommendation;
2. A written statement outlining your long-range professional goals and how you believe graduate study in the School of Music will help you attain these goals;
3. A list of works that you have studied in preparation for conducting. The list should indicate those works that you have conducted in performance, those you have rehearsed, and those you have studied but not actually conducted.
In addition to the list of works, applicants in band/wind ensemble conducting are required to submit (1) a list of the 50 pieces for band/wind ensemble that you consider to be the most significant from an historical and/or musical standpoint, and (2) a written analysis of a movement of the Symphony in B-flat by Paul Hindemith or George Washington Bridge by William Schuman.
4. A VHS or DVD video recording of your conducting. The tape or DVD should show you rehearsing an ensemble (international applicants must speak in English language), not conducting a performance. (For orchestral conducting applicants only, either a rehearsal or a performance with an ensemble is acceptable.) It should be 10-15 minutes in length and you should be facing the camera. The choice of literature should be appropriate to the option for which you are applying.
5. Following receipt of the videotape or DVD, the most qualified applicants will be invited to the University Park campus for interviews, testing in music theory and history, and an audition conducting a University ensemble in repertoire mutually agreed upon. Applicants in orchestral conducting will also be required to demonstrate skills at the keyboard.
The materials listed in 1-4 above should be sent to the School of Music Graduate Admission address.
Copies of items 2 and 3 should also be sent to the faculty person appropriate to your option. Any questions about specific program information should also be directed to them. They are:
Band/wind ensemble conducting:
Dennis Glocke
Director of Concert Bands
The Pennsylvania State University
103 Music Building II
University Park, PA 16802-1901
Phone: 814-863-3986
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: drg8@psu.edu
Choral conducting:
Lynn Drafall
Director of Choral Studies
The Pennsylvania State University
106 Music Building
University Park, PA 16802-1901
Phone: 814-863-4219
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: led5@psu.edu
Orchestral conducting:
Gerardo Edelstein
Director of Orchestral Studies
The Pennsylvania State University
104 Music Building II
University Park PA 16802-1901
Phone: 814-863-9635
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: gfe1@psu.edu
Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, scores can be helpful if the applicant wishes to be considered for the fellowships that are awarded by the Graduate School.
In summary, the following items MUST be received before an application can be reviewed:
□ Completed online Graduate School Application and paid application fee
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ Two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended*
(Transcript Request Form is available at web address below)
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ Two letters of recommendation (we do not have a recommendation form; the recommenders should use school or personal stationery.)
□ Statement of goals
□ Repertoire list
□ Fifty-piece list with analysis (band/wind applicants only)
□ VHS or DVD video recording of conducting (international applicants must speak in English language)
□ TOEFL score - official form (international applicants only)
□ Application for VISA Document and Financial Certification forms with financial guarantee information (international applicants only) (forms available online at
http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/pdf/VisaApp.pdf)
*An official transcript is an official listing from a university of all courses taken, including grades earned for each course. The transcript must also list the title of the degree and the date the degree was conferred, if the student has already graduated. If the transcripts do not list this information, then the original diploma must be included with the transcripts. International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English. Notarized copies of the official transcripts are not sufficient.
Direct all inquiries and send materials to:
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
233 MUSIC BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-1901
Phone: 814-865-1052
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: music-gr-adm@psu.edu