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Master of Music in Conducting
Course Requirements
Admission to the Program
About the Graduate Program (School of Music)
The Master of Music in Conducting degree is designed for students with exceptional conducting skill planning for a professional performance-based career as a conductor. Students are initially enrolled in the Master of Arts in Music degree program and audition for entrance into the MM program at the end of their first semester.
To provide students with adequate opportunity for regular conducting experiences under faculty supervision with the appropriate ensemble, the number of students admitted into this program will be limited to three students per area of interest, i.e. choral, band or orchestral. Expectations are that all students completing this degree will continue into doctoral studies and seek collegiate teaching positions. The recent significant increase in the number of performing ensembles at Campbellsville University provides adequate opportunities for those students admitted into the program to share podium time with live ensembles.
Requirements for Master of Music in Conducting degree
In addition to the admissions criteria listed here, choral conductors must possess adequate skills in vocal diction in English, German, French, Latin and Italian.
1. Successful completion of thirty semester hours of graduate studies in the degree plan.
2. Students must present a culminating recital of sixty minutes public performance (to be divided between no more than two events)as the conductor of an ensemble.
3. No D grades and no more than three hours of C grades will count toward degree completion; no grade below B- will be allowed for applied study; the candidate must also have an overall 3.0 grade point average for graduation.
4. A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit (excluding applied and ensemble credit) may be transferred from other accredited graduate institutions if those credits match the course requirements of the graduate program. Approval of transfer credits will result from an examination of the transcript(s) (accompanied by appropriate documentation) by the Graduate Music Admissions Committee.
5. A maximum of six hours may be taken by appointment.
6. The candidate for graduate study will be required to compile a portfolio of work related to the curriculum of the student. It may include research projects, writing projects, video tapes of rehearsals and performances related to graduate studies.
7. A final comprehensive examination in the student's degree curriculum is required.
8. Enrollment in a major ensemble is required (0 credit) each semester of enrollment.
The degree program is designed to be completed in 2 calendar years of full-time study. Degree candidates must complete all requirements within an eight-year period following completion of the first applicable course.
1. Admission to Graduate Studies
2. A bachelor's degree in music, or permission from the Graduate Music Admissions Committee. A valid teachers' certificate if entering the music education program.
3. Passing scores on the PRAXIS exam or the GRE (minimum score of 850).
4. Two letters of recommendation, including one from an individual who can speak to the applicant's academic and/or professional capabilities and potential.
5. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from accredited institutions, confirming a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale overall. This includes professional education courses, if applicable, and the applicant's undergraduate major or academic emphasis.
6. Completed application form, including an essay that discusses the applicant's interest in and commitment to graduate study.
7. A recent recital or audition tape demonstrating performance skill.
8. Applicants must pass an entrance examination in music theory, music history and literature, and demonstrate keyboard, voice, and conducting skills, or take appropriate steps to remediate any deficiencies.
About the Graduate Programs of the School of Music
The Graduate Programs of the School of Music develop professional competence and productive scholarship in its students. The programs of study lead to a broad acquaintance with historical and contemporary states of learning, preparing students to make contributions to the advancement of their respective fields.
All School of Music graduate degree programs have been approved by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Council on Post-Secondary Education, and the Kentucky Department of Education.