The Program
The Department of Music and Dance is pleased to offer a new undergraduate Certificate in Choral Conducting. Certificate students will learn to more confidently lead a choral ensemble; develop an advanced gestural vocabulary; accurately reproduce and embody all aspects of the written score including pitch, rhythm, articulation, expressive elements, and written instructions; understand more fully the roles and responsibilities of the conductor; and improve listening skills.
The Certificate in Choral Conducting is open to students pursuing a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. Before applying to the certificate program, students must earn a grade of 'B' or higher in first-year Music Theory and Aural Skills courses: MUSIC 112 (3 credits), 113 (3 credits), 114 (1 credit), and 115 (1 credit).
The certificate coursework builds a strong foundation in choral conducting, literature, vocal techniques, diction, musical analysis, and aural skills. Studying any of these areas would enhance the skills of a successful conductor. However, greater focus on each area will prepare certificate students with exceptional leadership skills in choral music.
The Certificate in Choral Conducting provides experiences beyond the minimum requirements of the undergraduate degrees. This additional study further prepares music education students for student teaching, deepens the musicianship skills of performance majors, and benefits those students who are interested in pursuing a degree in choral conducting at the master's level.
Requirements
The Choral Conducting Certificate requires 15 credits. Courses may be completed in any order, with the exception of those with posted prerequisites. A grade of 'B' or higher is expected in all certificate courses.
One semester each:
- MUSIC 195V - Vocal Diction I (2 credits) - Fall
- MUSIC 195W - Vocal Diction II (2 credits) - Spring
- MUSIC 325 - Basic Conducting (2 credits) - Fall
- MUSIC 327 - Choral Conducting (2 credits) - Spring
Five semesters total:
- MUSIC 518 or 597C - Conductors' Chorus (1 credit) - Fall/Spring
One semester from the following choral seminar options (offered on a rotating schedule):
- MUSIC 697C - Choral Pedagogy I (2 credits)
- MUSIC 697D - Choral Pedagogy II (2 credits)
- MUSIC 697E - Choral Literature I (2 credits)
- MUSIC 697F - Choral Literature II (2 credits)
Interested students should meet with the Music Chief Undergraduate Advisor prior to beginning coursework for this certificate.
Application Process
Contact Dr. Tony Thornton for details.