The Program
The Department of Music and Dance is pleased to offer an 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 music 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, chosen from the following (offered on a rotating schedule):
- MUSIC 622C - Graduate Choral Conducting Seminar I (2 credits)
- MUSIC 622D - Graduate Choral Conducting Seminar II (2 credits)
- MUSIC 622E - Graduate Choral Conducting Seminar III (2 credits)
- MUSIC 622F - Graduate Choral Conducting Seminar IV (2 credits)
Interested students should meet with their Music Major Advisor prior to beginning coursework for this certificate.
Application Process
Contact the Director of Choral Activites for details.