The Master of Music degree in Conducting is designed for current teachers of middle, junior and senior high school music ensemble programs; for professional church musicians; and for pre-professionals, including students continuing after completing undergraduate degrees. The program prepares post-undergraduate students for such paths as high school or college teaching, conducting positions and doctorates in conducting.
The M.M. degree in Conducting emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire; conducting technique; rehearsal technique; score study; choral and/or instrumental performance pedagogy; historical performance practices; interpretation and expression.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
Recognize, identify, interpret and conduct representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
Demonstrate and apply advanced conducting techniques, including baton technique, use of hands/arms, facial expressions and body language.
Plan and execute an efficient and productive rehearsal, including managing time, setting achievable goals, detecting and correcting errors and providing motivation and inspiration for expressive performance and focused work ethic.
Utilize and discuss score study techniques such as keyboard score reading, transposition of instruments, instrumental/vocal score order, compositional structure, analysis of chord and melodic structures and audiation skills.
Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific vocal or instrumental area of study.
Identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performance practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
Display interpretation and expression in music through discussion in conducting lessons, explanation in rehearsals and demonstration in rehearsal and performance settings through conducting gestures and the resulting musical product.
Examples of Possible Careers
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
Music directors and composers
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Music
January 2025
Kent State University
800 E. Summit Street,
KENT,
Ohio,
44240, United States
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (internet-based version)
Minimum 74 MELAB score
Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
Minimum 50 PTE score
Minimum 100 Duolingo English score
Application Deadlines: Fall, Spring, Summer Semesters: Rolling admissions
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
