Program Overview
Description
A graduate certificate in conducting prepares post-baccalaureate performers, educators, theorists, historians, composers, and other musicians to conduct music in a variety of settings. These credentials certify that students have acquired professional skills necessary to conduct, making them more competitive on the job market. Matriculating master’s students will usually distribute a certificate’s required courses (11 credits) over two years of study.
Prerequisites
Matriculated students must have a baccalaureate degree before beginning coursework. Students must also pass an audition.
Requirements
GPA requirement: Earn a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course used toward a certificate.
Course Requirements:
Conducting Applied Studies (4 credits) (To be selected from among the following courses):
- MUSICAPP 617C: Choral Conducting (2 credits)
- MUSICAPP 617O: Orchestral Conducting (2 credits)
- MUSICAPP 617W: Wind Conducting (2 credits)
Two core seminars in conducting (4 credits) (To be selected from among the following courses):
- MUSIC 697C, 697D, 697E, 697F: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Choral
- MUSIC 697J, 697K, 697L, 697M: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Orchestral
- MUSIC 697N, 697O, 697P, 697Q: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Wind
Two ensembles (2 credits - taken concurrently with applied conducting lessons) (To be selected from among the following courses):
- MUSIC 563: Chamber Choir
- MUSIC 565: UMass Amherst Symphony Orchestra
- MUSIC 567: Symphony Band
- MUSIC 568: Wind Ensemble
- MUSIC 593J: Seminar- All-University Orchestra
- MUSIC 597C: Conductors’ Chorus
- Other 500 level music ensembles approved by the main conducting professor
Capstone Project (1 credit for a half recital, lecture recital, or other creative project) (To be determined in consultation with the main conducting professor):
- MUSIC 692N: (S-Non-Degree Graduate Recital)
- MUSIC 696: (Independent Study)