Master of Music in Conducting (Choral)

Program Overview

The primary purpose of this degree is to develop and educate graduate students with a high level of choral conducting and administrative skills so that they are prepared and qualified to direct a choral program at an advanced level and contribute as professionals to the growth and development of the choral field. This program includes the importance of intensive score preparation and study, emphasizing conducting abilities that demonstrate expressive and clear gestures with poise and confidence, and rehearsal preparation which is faithful to the score and connects with the musicians, resulting in inspiring performances. It introduces the students to a diverse choral repertoire of both secular and sacred music from the different stylistic periods of choral music. 

This master’s program is intended for the student who has had previous conducting experience and who wishes to pursue advanced studies to be a more fully-equipped teacher in a public or private education or to advance to doctoral study. The degree stresses the advancement of musical understanding and skill, as well as those personal traits and abilities required of the conductor who aspires to musical excellence. 

The MM in Conducting with a specialization in Choral Conducting is a two-year, 32 credit hour program. Courses consist of private conducting lessons, bibliography, music history, and literature, advanced music theory, conducting seminars with ensembles, department ensemble participation, final recital, and final oral and/or written examinations.

Program Specifics

For specific information regarding coursework required to earn this degree, please refer to the current University Catalog.

Admissions

Master of Music (MM) Application 

All applications are submitted online through the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants for the Master of Music degree must complete the following:

1. Official College Transcripts - To qualify for admission to the MM program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Official transcripts must be sent directly from previous institutions to USU.
2. (NOT REQUIRED) GRE or MAT Scores - The GRE or MAT is optional for applicants to the Master of Music degree programs. However, applicants should be advised that the GRE/MAT is a requirement for some tuition waivers and scholarships available through the School of Graduate Studies.
3. Letters of Recommendation – Three satisfactory letters of recommendation must be sent directly by the recommenders through the application server. Applicants are highly encouraged to seek a recommendation from a primary applied teacher and one academic music faculty (theory, history, etc.). 
4. Writing Sample - Applicants must upload a 500–1000 word (1-2 pages, single-spaced) personal statement on one of the following topics: 
   • Topic 1: Describe a moment or experience in your musical education that convinced you to pursue higher education in music.
   • Topic 2: How do you hope your music career will make an impact on today’s musical culture?
   • Topic 3: Why does/should music matter to individuals or society today?
   An academic research paper on a musical subject may also be accepted at the discretion of the Graduate Music Committee. The writing sample will be evaluated by the Music Department Graduate Committee and all full-time faculty in the applicant’s primary area of emphasis. Applicant essays will be evaluated in part on the quality of writing, including organization, concision, and clarity.
5. International Student Requirements - In addition to the General Admissions Requirements, International students must meet the language, degree, and funding requirements of the USU School of Graduate Studies.
6. Audition/Interview - Applicants must complete a successful live or recorded entrance audition/interview. To schedule an audition, submit an Audition Application. If travel distance or schedule conflicts prevent applicants from auditioning live, they may select the recorded audition option on their application and submit a video recording of their audition. Those who select the recorded audition option on their application will receive submission information via email.
7. Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of C- or lower - Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
8. Matriculation Start Semester - A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.

Applicants for the Master of Music - Conducting (Choral Specialization) must complete the following by December 15, 2025 for full consideration:

1. Those who select the recorded audition option on their application will receive submission information via email. This pre-screening recording should include:
   
   1. Approximately 10 minutes of rehearsal footage demonstrating the applicant’s abilities in teaching, assessing, coaching, and developing ensemble skills.
   2. Approximately 10 minutes of performance footage from the ensemble’s perspective (conductor’s face is visible) demonstrating the applicant’s abilities as a creative colleague and performer. There is no restriction as to the profile of the ensemble (elementary, middle school, high school, college, professional, community). The applicant should select the footage that illustrates their best work in partnership with the ensemble. Careful consideration should be given to the quality of the repertoire and suitability of the ensemble’s skills and for graduate conducting study.
2. Applicants whose pre-audition screening is approved should confer with the Coordinator of Graduate Choral Conducting Studies, Dr. Craig Jessop (craig.jessop@usu.edu), to schedule the audition/interview and discuss the literature to be conducted for the audition. The audition will include vocalizing and rehearsing the choir, an interview with the choral faculty, and a brief singing exercise to include sight-reading.

For questions regarding the choral conducting application process, please contact Dr. Craig Jessop, Professor of Choral Conducting, at craig.jessop@usu.edu.

Faculty