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 622C, 622D, 622E, 622F: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Choral
  • MUSIC 622J, 622K, 622L, 622M: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Orchestral
  • MUSIC 622N, 622O, 622P, 622Q: 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)