Program Overview

Conducting: Music, M.M.

School of Music

Gain a thorough command of leading choral and instrumental ensembles as you prepare for a career of conducting and teaching in our collaborative and supportive program.

Featuring a strong emphasis on applied conducting studies, our graduate students enjoy unique opportunities to conduct both professional and student groups across a range of the finest ensembles at Carolina, from choirs and orchestras to the entire range of bands. Academic work is individualized, and students present a full recital.

Program Highlights

• Distinguished School: Since 1969, the School of Music has consistently retained the distinctive National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.
• Supportive Community: Foster your creative learning, skill development and personal exploration through Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina.
• Authentic Experiences: Learn while doing with hands-on experiences teaching and conducting the finest ensembles at Carolina.
• State-of-the-art Tools: Prepare to conduct for orchestra, band or choral ensembles in our lab with specialized software for conducting.

What You’ll Study

Courses include score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management and applications to specific school or professional ensembles. Work closely with faculty to master the art of conducting. Graduate assistantships are available.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Performance: Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience
• Listening Skills: Understanding what others are saying to facilitate effective communication
• Communication: Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression
• Teaching: Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students
• Presentation Skills: Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade or inspire
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve a shared goal or objective

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Conductor
  • Director
  • Professor
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • Artistic Director
  • Band/Orchestra Director
  • Choral Director
  • Guitar Instructor
• Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $69,641
• Workplace Settings:
  • Music
  • Education
• Employers of Alumni:
  • Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra
  • Aiken Youth Orchestras
  • Davidson Violins
  • Georgia Southern University
  • Freeway Music LLC
  • Beaufort County School District

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Doctorate: Conducting: Music, D.M.A. (School of Music)