CONDUCTING

The Michigan State University conducting program offers an intense, collaborative and comprehensive graduate degree program guided by renowned conductors and educators in band, orchestral and choral disciplines.

The conducting faculty at MSU believes all students in the program should develop their abilities by working with voice, winds, percussion and strings—regardless of their primary field of study. All students have access to private lessons with the entire conducting faculty, and podium opportunities with orchestras, wind ensembles, choirs, new music groups, jazz ensembles, small ensembles, and opera theatre. Students, too, can collaborate across conducting disciplines, and with various areas at the College of Music.

The program focuses on three key skills: score study, efficient and pedagogically sound rehearsal techniques, and artistic leadership. Additional training is available in wind and choral literature, string bowing technique, jazz style and notation, and foreign language/diction study.

Graduates of MSU’s highly competitive conducting program are versatile, skilled, and future leaders of the conducting vocation. The area prides itself on advancing art, breaking barriers, and a robust, inclusive environment that springs from MSU’s rich legacy in orchestral, choral and band conducting.

The conducting area at MSU is led by a distinguished faculty of artistic conductors who stand together to foster an inclusive, creative and supportive environment for students to reflect and thrive through real-world experiences.