Master of Music in Conducting

The Master of Music in Conducting program at Boston University combines rigorous study of choral and orchestral conducting techniques and literature with related work in performance, music theory, and musicology in a vibrant and intimate setting, all within a major research university. Master of Music candidates will join a diverse community of scholar-performers led by a renowned faculty. In addition, the rich intellectual and artistic environment of Boston provides many further opportunities for amateur and professional collaborations.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students are expected to demonstrate:

• Performance techniques and skills in the area of concentration.
• Broad knowledge of repertory and literature from all periods, with knowledge in music from under-consulted and underrepresented cultures.
• Knowledge and skills in musicianship, music theory and analysis, and music history.
• Superior proficiency in verbal communication of musical ideas and concepts.
• Capacity for artistic growth and skills for navigating the professional world.
• Capability for producing professional-level written documents such as program notes or scholarly essays.

General Degree Requirements

The Master of Music degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study and terminal projects appropriate to the student’s field of specialization. Students must complete a minimum of 32 term units with grades no lower than B– in graduate-level coursework. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of the date of matriculation. Students may also be required to take prerequisite courses based on the result of the required proficiency examinations.

Proficiency Examinations

All entering Master of Music students are required to take a proficiency examination in the area of music theory. The examination is administered online before the start of classes. Incoming students are notified of the exam dates and contents in advance and are responsible for taking it by the specified deadline. Exam results are used for purposes of advisement and may establish prerequisite or required coursework. Material covered in this examination is commonly presented in most undergraduate degree programs in music. No retakes of the exam will be permitted.

Required Courses

Any deficiencies identified by the proficiency exams must be addressed as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not the student plans to take other courses in these areas. Students may not take advanced graduate courses in a particular area OR graduate until all deficiencies have been addressed. Prerequisite and other required courses may include:

• CFA MH 401 Graduate Music History Review
• CFA MT 401 Graduate Music Theory Review
• CFA MT 601 Analytical Techniques 1
• CFA MT 602 Analytical Techniques 2

Choral Conducting (MM)

Program of Study
CFA ML 735 Vocal Pedagogy	2 units
CFA MP 531 Graduate Vocal Diction Review	1 unit
CFA MP 680 Score Reading	2 units
CFA MP 702 Choral Conducting Seminar (4 terms, 2 units per term)	8 units
CFA MP 703 Orchestral Conducting Seminar (1 term, 2 units per term)	2 units
CFA MP 891 Survey of Choral Literature: Renaissance to Early Baroque	2 units
CFA MP 892 Survey of Choral Literature: Baroque to Late Classical	2 units
CFA MP 893 Survey of Choral Literature: Romantic	2 units
CFA MP 894 Survey of Choral Literature: 20th Century and Contemporary	2 units
CFA MT 601 or MT 602 Analytical Techniques 1 or 2 (or other MT course, level 600 or higher)	3 units
Choice of course(s) in MH or MT (600 level or higher)	3 units
Courses in Musicology or Music Theory (600 level or higher)	3 units
Total	32 units

Orchestral Conducting (MM)

Program of Study
CFA MP 651 Symphonic Literature 1	2 units
CFA MP 652 Symphonic Literature 2	2 units
CFA MP 680 Score Reading	2 units
CFA MP 702 Choral Conducting Seminar (2 terms, 2 units per term)	4 units
CFA MP 703 Orchestral Conducting Seminar (4 terms, 2 units per term)	8 units
CFA MT 630–32 Orchestration	3 units
CFA MT 601 or MT 602 Analytical Techniques 1 or 2 (or other MT course, level 600 or higher)	3 units
Courses in Musicology (MH) (600 level or higher)	3 units
Choice of courses in MH or MT (600 level or higher)	3 units
Graduate Music electives	2 units
Total	32 units

Terminal Projects

Each candidate in orchestral or choral conducting will present one conducting recital, which may be presented as portions of three separate performances with University ensembles in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Master of Music Comprehensive Review for Choral and Orchestral Conducting

A satisfactory comprehensive review or examination is required for graduation. The faculty in each major area determines standards for this review and its format, and conducts the evaluation. In each case, the comprehensive review concentrates on the major area and other related fields. Unsatisfactory performance on this review may require remedial work and/or a repetition of the review after counseling with the student’s advisor.