Skip to main content

Programs

Conducting and Ensembles

Of the more than 800 performances presented each year by the Eastman School, a great many are by Eastman’s superb student ensembles. Membership in large ensembles is critical to professional development and is a required part of both the graduate and undergraduate curricula. Instrumentalists participate in the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, Wind Ensemble, Collegium Musicum and Musica Nova. Vocal ensembles include Repertory Singers, Chorale, Eastman-Rochester Chorus, Treble Chorus, and Collegium Musicum.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Conducting and Ensembles website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

Master of Music in Conducting Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • 3 recommendation letters 
  • A prescreening recording and audition

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume or CV
  • A sample writing of a past research paper and/or previously published article or submission 
  • 3 recommendation letters 
  • A prescreening recording and audition

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Master of Music in Conducting is a 33-unit degree completed over two years. Coursework includes conducting study, three music history courses, a theory course, ensemble participation, electives, and a degree recital. The degree culminates with an oral examination. Specific tracks are offered in choral, orchestral, wind, and contemporary ensemble conducting. Choral and orchestral conductors must demonstrate a language proficiency; choral conductors also demonstrate lyric diction proficiency. For more complete information about the MM in Conducting, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.02.06.

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting is a 60-unit degree, typically completed over the course of two years. The degree is designed for candidates with significant professional experience as performers and conductors. A feature of the program is regular tutorial sessions in conjunction with contact with the School’s ensembles. Beyond conducting studies, other coursework includes four doctoral research and writing seminars, three theory courses, and electives or a minor. For choral and orchestral conducting students, there is a foreign language proficiency requirement. All students will present one or more public performances and a lecture-recital. The degree culminates with the doctoral comprehensive examinations. For more information on the DMA in Conducting, see: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/policy/06-00/#06.03.10.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • CND 415-416: Advanced Instrumental Conducting I-II
  • CND 423-424: Advanced Conducting: Choral I-II
  • CND 431-432: Choral Literature I-II
  • CND 441-444: Colloquy in Conducting
  • CND 451-452: Contemporary Repertoire I-II
  • CND 481-484: Orchestral Conducting I-IV
  • CND 541-444: DMA Conducting I-IV