Master of Music in Choral Conducting

Overview

The Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree develops choral leadership through comprehensive choral literature courses, mentoring from faculty conductors within a collaborative community of colleagues, and regular conducting experience with collegiate ensembles.

Program highlights

• Choral literature curriculum comprises three semesters of broad and deep repertoire study, with particular focus on historically underrepresented composers and cultural traditions.
• Students develop compelling gesture, score study, score reading, and rehearsal techniques in three semesters of Advanced Conducting. Curriculum develops skills in concert programming; interdisciplinary collaborations; organizational leadership; grant writing; community engagement; and access, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the choral profession.
• Each cohort class of M. M. in Choral Conducting is limited to two to three students, ensuring ample mentorship and conducting opportunities with university choral ensembles.
• Graduates of the M. M. in Choral Conducting program successfully pursue doctoral studies, conduct professional and community choirs, lead exceptional school choral programs, and conduct in sacred music settings.
• Program is normally full-time, in-person, and completed within two years.
• Students gain organizational experience coordinating the largest choral festival in the Southwest (annual Jazz-Madrigal Festival).
• Major choral-orchestral works prepared and performed each spring with a regional orchestra.
• University Chamber Choir is provided for all graduate lecture recitals.
• Students have opportunities to study orchestral conducting, private voice, and vocal pedagogy.
• International concert tours with the Shrine of the Ages Choir (every three years).
• Graduate Assistantships are available and competitive. Opportunities include conducting ensembles in the Choral Union.

Additional application requirements

In addition to materials requested on the online application, prospective choral conducting students are required to send a video of them conducting a choir in a 20-25 minute rehearsal. Video camera angle should provide a front or diagonal profile view of the conductor. The recording should include warm-up exercises at the beginning of the rehearsal and portions of two selections. Students may also send a video demonstrating their conducting in a choral performance. Due to the pandemic, additional alternatives may be considered in consultation with the Director of Choral Studies.

Links to video files should be sent to music@nau.edu by December 1 for priority consideration of audition invitation and graduate assistantships.

Detailed instructions for the additional materials and the video link submission are included in the online application. Please begin the application process and contact the Director of Choral Studies with questions or to discuss any aspect of the M.M. in Choral Conducting.

Application Timeline

• Priority consideration of audition invitations and graduate assistantships are given to applicants who complete the NAU Graduate Online Application by December 1.
• On-campus auditions take place between late January and mid-February. Details for the on-campus experience and components are provided in the audition invitation.

Choral faculty

Dr. Timothy Westerhaus, Director of Choral Studies
Dr. Ryan Holder, Associate Director of Choral Studies