Program Overview

Music: Conducting (M.A.)

The master of arts in conducting option offers the opportunity for in-depth study of either instrumental or choral conducting. The program is intended for those who wish to improve their skills and knowledge for use in the school classroom or to prepare for doctoral programs in conducting.

Program Description

This degree program has final approval from the National Association of Schools of Music. Completion of the program requires a conducting recital and/or significant performances with one of the major university ensembles. A comprehensive oral examination will include discussion of the recital music, appropriate score identification, and questions focused on music history, theory, or education, to be determined in consultation with the members of the candidate's oral examination committee.

Program Requirements

All of the Master of Arts in Music options require 30 credit hours as well as a final project for completion of the degree.

• Concentration:
  • MUSI 831: Advanced Instrumental Conducting (3 semesters), 6 credits
  • MUED 883: Instrumental Literature and its Performance, 3 credits
  • MUSI 891: Research Seminar, 1-4 credits
• Supportive Courses in Music:
  • MUSI 865: Introduction to Bibliography, 3 credits
  • MUSI 894: Theory Seminar, 3 credits
  • MUSI 869: Musicology Seminar, 3 credits
• Electives:
  • Select nine credits from the following:
    • Techniques and Methods Courses:
      • MUED 841: Techniques and Methods in Choral Music
      • MUED 895: Special Studies 2
    • Applied Lessons Courses:
      • MUSI 845: Graduate Voice
      • MUSI 848: Graduate Cello
      • MUSI 855: Graduate Bassoon
    • Other Courses:
      • MUSI 869: Musicology Seminar
      • MUSI 895: Special Studies

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master's programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor's degree.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master's degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master's degree program students: Earn up to 12 graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor's degree.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8 graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor's degree.

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor's degree in most programs.

Music: Conducting (M.A.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

• Music: Composition (B.A.)
• Music: Music Liberal Studies (B.A.)
• Music: Performance Study (B.A.)
• Composition (B.M.)
• Music Education (B.M.)
• Performance (B.M.)
• Pre-Teaching (B.M.)

Program Learning Outcomes

General Competencies for All Music MA Programs

• Demonstrate advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the area of specialization by producing a final project or equivalent.
• Demonstrate advanced competence in the area of specialization.

Additional Competencies, M.A. in Conducting

• Demonstrate advanced competencies in conducting through studies in gestural technique, score analysis, repertoire, and regular conducting experiences with appropriate ensembles.
• Demonstrate engagement with other fields of music outside of conducting.
• Demonstrate professional capability by rehearsing and conducting a concert-length performance or the equivalent.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to music literature and to have in-depth discussions regarding specific works in the repertoire.