Graduate Degrees in Conducting

conducting pit musicians

The Master of Music in Conducting consists of 30 credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Students generally concentrate their study in either choral or instrumental conducting.

The program includes 10 credits of applied and advanced conducting, which is supported by courses in bibliography and research and music theory. Electives are chosen from music literature, applied music composition, orchestration and arranging or other areas of music in consultation with the advisor.

The Symphony Orchestra's typical season of six major performances includes both standard symphonic repertoire, new works, an opera and a program featuring winners of the student soloist competition. The Symphony Orchestra has performed several times at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., as well as for the Virginia Music Educators Association State Conference and St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

The Kammermusik Players performs the smaller orchestral literature, primarily by Baroque, Classical and Contemporary composers. The ensemble is often invited to perform in concerts offcampus and for special events.

The Wind Ensemble fills a performance season with six concerts and has frequently appeared at the Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, Carnegie Hall and toured throughout Virginia, the Northeast and Ohio. The Wind Ensemble annually hosts an area-wide middle school honors band on campus.

The Jazz Ensemble averages 15 performances each year, including three on-campus concerts each semester and numerous off-campus appearances at jazz festivals and conventions. The Jazz Ensemble has played at the Embassy of Japan and has toured extensively overseas, including trips to Sweden, China, Africa, Japan, Iceland and throughout Europe.

The conservatory has five choral ensembles that offer opportunities for voice students as well as those pursuing other career programs.

The Conservatory Choir and Chamber Choir perform the most advanced choral literature and have rigorous audition standards. Both are under the direction of Grammy Award-winning Robert Shafer, who is the artistic director of The City Choir of Washington. The groups regularly perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and The Music Center at Strathmore, frequently with The City Choir of Washington and the National Symphony Orchestra. The Conservatory Choir and Chamber Choir are also heard in concert halls and cathedrals throughout Europe during their biannual tours.

The Cantus Singers performs traditional choral literature for treble voices from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The group has toured Virginia and along the East Coast and was frequently heard at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Shenandoah Singers, is a vocal chamber group designed for students interested in studying repertoire drawn from the popular music tradition. This select ensemble of 8 to 12 singers performs an eclectic repertoire of a cappella jazz, pop, and world music.

In addition to campus performances, the group represents the Conservatory in performance tours and other off campus settings. Shenandoah Singers has toured regionally along the East Coast and internationally in China and Brazil.

The Shenandoah Chorus is a large mixed chorus, which performs traditional and contemporary works.

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