Music, Conducting Concentration, M.M.

The Master of Music degree program with a conducting concentration is an advanced course of study for musicians who hold a Bachelor's degree and seek advanced instruction in choral or orchestral and wind ensemble conducting. The program features studies in literature, arrangement, and interpretation with an ensemble experience designed to maximize podium time. Students study with a distinguished faculty of experienced artists who mentor students toward an individual artistic voice and its expression in the direction of an ensemble. Graduate teaching assistantship opportunities are available to qualified students.

Careers

Alumni from the School of Music teach thousands of students every day in private studios and schools from kindergarten through university levels. MTSU graduates perform in orchestras, military ensembles, and opera companies; appear in clubs and recording studios with the famous and yet-to-be-known; compose music for Hollywood films and commercial jingles; lead professional music organizations; work in the music industry; serve as church musicians; and continually enrich the lives of others. Some continue on to enter prestigious doctoral programs. A sample of potential professional pathways for music master's students:

• Artistic director
• Band director/leader
• Choral/choir director
• Church musician/worship leader
• College professor/instructor
• Conductor
• General music teacher at elementary/middle schools
• Music educator
• Music theater director
• Musical director
• Orchestra librarian
• Studio musician

Employers of Alumni

Employers of MTSU alumni include:

• Bellevue Middle School
• Belmont University
• Cane Ridge High School
• Case Western Reserve University
• Chattanooga Symphony
• Cumberland University
• The Downtown Band
• Earl Klugh (Grammy winner)
• EMBRA Artists, LTD.
• Fairview Middle School
• Jeff Coffin (Grammy winner)
• Jonathan Fletcher Music
• Lipscomb University
• MEINL Percussion
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Murfreesboro City Schools
• Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra
• Nashville State Community College
• Northeast Mississippi Community College
• Old Center Elementary School, Nashville
• Onks Woodwind Specialist
• Siegel Middle School
• Trevecca Nazarene University
• University of Louisiana-Lafayette
• University of Northern Colorado
• Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Music degree program requires:

1. an earned bachelor's degree in music from an accredited university or college;
2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (at least 3.00).

Application Procedures

Applicant must:

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee;
2. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
3. submit three letters of recommendation.

Additionally, those seeking a concentration in Conducting must complete an audition. Applicants who do not pass the audition may be allowed, at the discretion of the faculty, to be admitted as non-degree seeking for one semester and must register for MUAP 5020 - Private Instruction. They must re-audition at the end of their first semester of study. Students who do not pass the audition on their second attempt will not be admitted.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Music degree in Music with a concentration in Conducting requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours. Candidates must:

1. complete the curriculum with 70 percent of the total degree hours at the 6000 level;
2. successfully complete both written and oral comprehensive examinations no earlier than the student's last semester of study. Comprehensive examinations may be repeated once.

Additionally, those with a concentration in Conducting must establish proficiencies in music history, music theory, and keyboard.

Curriculum: Music, Conducting

The following illustrates the coursework requirements.

Core Courses (9 hours)

• MUS 6620 - Bibliography and Research
• MUTH 6050 - Analytical Techniques
• MUS 6630 - Music Seminar

Concentration Courses (21 hours)

• MUS 6030 - Conducting Problems and Score Interpretation
• MUS 6060 - Advanced Conducting
• MUAP 6709 - Private Instruction Conducting
• MUAP 6670 - Graduate Recital
• Two MUEN courses (music ensembles), 1 credit hour each, 2 credit hours For Instrumental Conductors:
  • MUHL 5790 - Orchestral and Wind Ensemble Literature
  • MUED 5240 - Instrumental Rehearsal Problems
  • Elective 1 credit hour
  For Choral Conductors:
  • MUHL 5680 - Choral Literature
  • MUTH 5270 - Choral Arranging
  • Elective 3 credit hours

Proficiency Courses Determined by Placement Examination (0-6 hours)

Either or both of these courses may be required based on the results of the student's diagnostic examinations in music history and music theory:

• MUTH 5010 - Theory Survey 3 credit hours
• MUHL 5070 - Music History Survey 1 to 3 credit hours (3 credit hours required)

Keyboard proficiencies are evaluated by the student's primary conducting professor.

Faculty

• Dr. Carol Nies, Associate Professor
• Dr. Reed Thomas, Professor

Information

Audition

Additionally, those seeking a specialization in conducting must complete an audition.

Choral Conducting Audition: Please provide a video of you conducting both a recent choral performance and a video of you rehearsing a choral ensemble.

Orchestral Conducting Audition: Preliminary audition: Please submit the following materials:

1. a fifteen-minute online conducting video by link.
2. your resume

On-campus audition: Applicants who pass the preliminary audition will be invited for an on-campus audition.

Wind Band Conducting: Video Prescreening (required): The prescreening submission should be between 15 and 20 minutes in length and should include both rehearsal and performance footage in which the applicant is visible.

Audition (if invited): Repertoire and audition expectations will be discussed at the time the applicant is invited to audition live.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.