Hi all! I am a rising junior in college, I am completing my BFA in Cello Performance. I have started the process of researching grad programs and preparing for auditions my senior year. I have discovered that I really enjoy conducting, and I am highly considering pursing it at a graduate level-however, it is currently difficult for me to find an ensemble to gain conducting experience with as an undergrad. I recently found one or two programs that are Post-Bachelor degree Certificates in Conducting (One at UNC Greensboro, and one at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga). They are built to help students who have completed their undergrad get more conducting experience. I was wondering if there are any other similar programs (whether a certificate or a summer program, or something else all together) that people know of that are geared towards pre-Master’s students that can help them build conducting experience? Most of the certificate programs I found are Graduate Certificates, which one would complete during another graduate program, in replace of a Master’s program, or after their Master’s program has completed. Any other tips to help look into conducting for grad school are welcome!
Ask your professors. You might, I’m not kidding, reach out to the two you mentioned as well, and ask if they know of similar programs. They likely do.
You can say the opportunity looks awesome. Just curious, what other similar type programs are like this out there? Or which other schools do your students apply to ?
You might even see if they have a student in the program you can talk to. If so, I’m sure they’d share their journey including other programs considered.
Good luck
You might also ask the folks in charge of the graduate level conducting programs you might like to attend. They may be able to tell you what programs they take students from.
Many graduate level conductors have public school teaching experience or have been through a music education program.
University of North Texas may have some conducting summer programs. They may not be geared toward undergrads, but teachers. My son was in the conductors chorus for one a couple of years ago but I don’t remember who it was marketed to.
Just saw this . Agree, talk to your teachers about it. Another option might be to reach out via email to conductors of orchestras and ask them about it (one thing about most conductors I have known, they really love helping the next generation coming up).
If you are seriously thinking of going into conducting check out Rice University and see what they have (IDK what they have for conducting). They are serious about their orchestral program , their orchestra is probably one of the best orchestras in the country, professional or school, and it might be worth checking out. It could be really competitive and selective, but worthwhile checking out.
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