Dec 23, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Conducting, M.M.

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.

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.

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.

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.