Conducting, M.M.

To conduct. To shape a diverse group of musicians into a coherent, disciplined, and vibrant whole. To truly value and champion the collaborative aspects of music-making. To be a leader: disciplined, self-motivated, and demanding.

We encourage musicians with these interests to consider the master of music degree in conducting. Building on a long tradition of excellent performing ensembles, the Greatbatch School of Music seeks to shape motivated, dedicated musicians into conductors with outstanding musical understanding, solid technical preparation, effective rehearsal techniques, and broad stylistic expertise.

Graduate conducting candidates should demonstrate strong technical gifts and solid musical and academic accomplishment. Admission to this curriculum is highly selective, with only one or two candidates per year admitted in each area (vocal and instrumental).

Program Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:

service as musical leaders within their local and regional communities, educational institutions, and musical organizations.

Undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further conducting experiences.

Beginning doctoral studies in conducting.

Choral Conducting

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:

service as musical leaders within their local and regional communities, educational institutions, and musical organizations

undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further conducting experiences

beginning doctoral studies in conducting.

Final Project

The student must video record each of his or her public conducting performances throughout their tenure as a graduate student, the equivalent of a full concert of material. After the final semester of study, a portfolio of these recordings must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Committee for approval to culminate professional capacity in the major field.

Instrumental Conducting

Objectives

To produce graduates who are prepared for any or all of the following, depending on their accomplishments and goals:

service as musical leaders within their local and regional communities, educational institutions, and musical organizations

undertaking the establishment of a professional career via auditions, competitions, and further conducting experiences

beginning doctoral studies in conducting.

Final Project

The student shall prepare and publicly conduct one full concert (or equivalent in separate public appearances) with the appropriate ensemble. The candidate must also submit concert program notes that demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the repertoire conducted. Finally, candidates will compile a digital portfolio of materials to assist in the next step of their careers, whether that be a job in higher education, public school teaching, church ministry, or a doctoral conducting program.

Houghton College is a nationally-ranked Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences located in the scenic Genesee River Valley of western New York State.

Houghton College provides an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in the liberal arts and sciences to students from diverse traditions and economic backgrounds. It equips them to lead and labour as scholar-servants in a changing world.

Houghton is a place where a close-knit, highly relational Christian community meets transformative learning experiences. Our small size and nationally recognized academics give you a top-notch Christian education. At the same time, our stellar alumni placement rate indicates how prepared our students are for the next step in their careers.

At Haughton, you’ll get a tailor-made, one-of-a-kind Christian educational experience that supports your individual interests, dreams, and goals.

We not only prepare you for a job after you graduate – we lay the groundwork for an amazing rest of your life.

Houghton College admits students of any race, colour, gender, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to college students. It does not discriminate based on race, colour, gender, or national and ethnic origin in administering its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.