Music, Conducting, M.M.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Master of Music - Area of Study in Conducting has the following areas of emphasis:

Choral
Orchestral
Wind

Program Requirements

Choral Conducting

Requires a minimum of 31 credit hours.

MUS 510 - Bibliography and Research in Music
MUH 520 - Seminar in Music History
MUT 530 - Seminar in Music Theory
MUS 556 - Diction for Singers 1: Italian and French
MUS 557 - Diction for Singers 2: French and German
MUS 572 - Vocal Pedagogy
MUP 603 - Applied Music, Major Area
MUP 690 - Recital
MUS 501 - Chorale (2 sem.)
or
MUS 505 - Chamber Singers (2 sem.)
Electives-Any MUH, MUS, MUP, MUT or MUE 500- or 600-level courses Credits: 6

Note:

Nine credits of applied music in choral conducting (three 3-credit courses) will be scheduled as private lessons and will be supplemented by rehearsal time with one of the University choral ensembles or other appropriate ensemble. Three substantial topics will be covered during the course of the applied study: choral-orchestral conducting, a research project to create a detailed program note, and a repertoire list.

Orchestral Conducting

Requires a minimum of 31 credit hours.

MUS 510 - Bibliography and Research in Music
MUH 520 - Seminar in Music History
MUT 530 - Seminar in Music Theory
MUP 603 - Applied Music, Major Area (orchestral conducting)
MUP 690 - Recital
MUS 500 - Orchestra (two semesters)
Electives-Any MUH, MUS, MUP, MUT or MUE 500 or 600 level courses Credits: 12

Note:

Nine credits of applied music in orchestral conducting (three 3-credit courses) will be scheduled as private lessons and will be supplemented by rehearsal time with the University Orchestra or other appropriate ensemble. A one-year residency is required.

Wind Conducting

Requires a minimum of 32 credit hours.

MUS 510 - Bibliography and Research in Music
MUH 520 - Seminar in Music History
MUT 530 - Seminar in Music Theory
MUP 603 - Applied Music, Major Area (wind conducting)
MUP 690 - Recital
MUS 502 - Concert Band (two semesters)
or
MUS 508 - Wind Ensemble (two semesters)
Electives-Any MUH, MUS, MUP, MUT or MUE 500 or 600 level courses Credits: 12

Note:

Nine credits of applied music in wind conducting (three 3-credit courses) will be scheduled as private lessons and will be supplemented by rehearsal time with the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or other appropriate ensemble. A one-year residency is required.

Information for Matriculated Students

Graduate Competency Exams

All incoming School of Music graduate students must pass a competency exam in music theory/ear training prior to enrollment in MUS 530, Seminar in Music Theory. This exam will be graded pass/fail and may be taken no more than three times. Students unable to pass after three attempts must withdraw from the program.

Special Requirements and Standards

All music graduate programs must be completed within six years from the date of matriculation.

Students must maintain a B average in all coursework and must have no grade lower than B-. Students who receive grades lower than B- will be reviewed for retention in the graduate program.

Each program requires that students demonstrate mastery in their primary area of study. Conducting students meet this requirement through the presentation of recitals.

The following conditions will apply to all recitals:

Required recitals must be performed after successful completion of the comprehensive exams
Grading of the recital will be by a committee of no less than three jurors. The jurors will be drawn from the graduate faculty, the degree candidate’s graduate advisor, and the degree candidate’s private instructor.
The candidate must receive a grade of B or higher on each recital. If the grade of B is not achieved, the candidate must perform another recital that contains at least 50 percent new material. If the grade of B or higher is not achieved at this recital retake, the candidate must petition the faculty to remain in the degree program.

Transfer credit

Six graduate credits may be transferred to USM from another NASM-accredited college or university.

Admissions credit: Additionally, no more than six graduate credits for work earned at USM in the five years prior to matriculation may be credited to the master’s degree.

Residency

A one-year residency is required for wind and orchestral conducting. Residency is not required in choral conducting.

Exit Requirements

Exit requirements are specific to each program. Please consult the faculty advisor in these programs for a list of requirements.