Master of Music in Conducting (Choral)
The Master of Music in Conducting is designed for the student possessing an undergraduate degree in music who wishes to pursue advanced study in the area of choral conducting. Potential candidates should possess a basic knowledge of conducting and demonstrate sufficient physical coordination required for the profession.
The Master of Music in Conducting is designed to prepare candidates for professional employment in the area of choral conducting in school and church settings and to pursue a terminal degree in the field. Candidates explore the repertoire of choral literature from the early Renaissance to the present; choral methods are discussed in detail, including choral tone, textual understanding, rehearsal techniques, and programming; private instruction is given in conducting to refine pattern, gesture and score preparation, and study of vocal technique is furthered in a studio setting.
Audition Requirement: The conducting audition may be held on-campus with one of the Mississippi College choral ensembles or via video recording using a choir conducted by the candidate. Video submissions must be a minimum of 10 minutes of rehearsal and/or performance utilizing a full-front camera angle. The vocal audition may be either on-campus or via video recording (see instructions for scheduling an on-campus audition). Students interested in studying graduate organ must also complete a keyboard audition.
A low-residency option is available which allows students to take the core, performance, and literature courses online and the Conducting Techniques classes on campus during the summers. This allows those with full-time positions to continue working while they complete the Master of Music degree. This option requires the student to have a choir they conduct on a regular basis during the school year.
Degree Requirements (30 sem. hrs.)
Core Courses (9 sem. hrs.)
MUS 6530 - Music Research and Writing
MUS 6509 - Topics in Music Theory
MUS 6514 - Topics in Music History
Literature and Performance Practice (4 sem. hrs.)
MUS 6513 - Choral Literature and Performance Practices (1550-1750)
MUS 6520 - Choral Literature and Performance Practices (1750-present)
Conducting Techniques (6 sem. hrs.)
MUS 6518 - Techniques of Conducting
MUS 6519 - Seminar in Conducting
Performance (6 sem. hrs.)
MUS 6552 - Applied Conducting
MUS 6511 - Applied Organ
Ensemble (2 sem. hrs. from the following):
MUS 6584 - Choctaw Chorus
MUS 6597 - Singers
MUS 6585 - Low-Residency Choral Ensemble
Graduate Recital (3 sem. hrs.)
Choose one of the following:
MUS 6500 - Graduate Recital
MUS 6540 - Graduate Recital with Monograph
MUS 6550 - Graduate Lecture Recital