Master of Music in Choral Conducting

We offer both a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting. The Choral Conducting program is designed for students interested in expanding their knowledge, skill, and effectiveness in conducting choral ensembles. This traditional degree program is designed with the full-time student in mind, and blends the practical experience of coached conducting experiences in front of our choral ensembles with weekly individual lessons in score study, gesture, rehearsal techniques, and repertoire knowledge. The program will be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the individual student, whether their goals are the pursuit of conducting professional or university ensembles, or improving their performance as a choral director at the secondary level.

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Important dates

February 1: Application deadline for fall entry.

March 15: Interview and audition deadline for fall entry.

Steps for applying

Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission. NOTE: To submit a graduate application, you need to have previously completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be seeking an advanced degree. Your Application for Graduate Admission should include:

Butler Application
A Professional Statement
Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where candidates:
- Earned a degree
- Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
- Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
- Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
Resumé
Two letters of recommendation
International applicants must provide proof of a minimum level of proficiency in the English language as well as submit additional financial documentation. See the International Student Application process.

Transcripts
Copies of official transcripts may be uploaded in the online application for application review only. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required at that time to submit official final transcripts issued directly from the institution(s) for verification prior to enrollment. More information is available in the application for admission.

Step 2: Complete the JCA Graduate Music Supplement. The supplement will appear on your application status page after submitting your Application for Graduate Admission. The supplement is required in order for your application to be considered complete.

Step 3: Submit Pre-Screening video. A video recording in front view of you conducting a rehearsal or performance should be submitted via email to music@butler.edu. The subject line of the email should include your full name and the words “Choral Conducting Pre-Screen”. It is preferred that video recordings be submitted as a link to an online source such as YouTube, DropBox, GoogleDrive, etc.

Step 4: Complete an interview and conducting audition with choral conducting faculty. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. If you pass the pre-screening, you will be invited to interview and audition with the choral faculty. The audition will consist of conducting a portion of a Butler choral ensemble rehearsal, an informal solo performance on either voice or piano, and an aural skills exam. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an audition, please email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.

Total Credit Hours: 30 credit hours
Anticipated Duration: 2 years
Degree requires a conducting recital and final oral comprehensive exam.

Required courses:

Advanced Conducting
Advanced Keyboard Harmony
Conducting Recital
Final Comprehensive Exam
Applied Music
Ensemble
Seminar in Choral Literature
Research in Music
Graduate Choral Conducting Seminar
Advanced Graduate Conducting Seminar
Designated Music Elective
General Music Electives

Download full degree guide as a PDF

Choral Conducting graduate assistantship

Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference will be given to students pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting; however, students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.

How to apply: Select the Choral Conducting assistantship when prompted on the Graduate Application. An audition and interview may be required.

Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.

Duties: Assist the choral faculty with choral ensembles, conducting classes, and choral activities up to 10 hours per week.

Faculty supervisors: Eric Stark, Director of Choral Activities and John Perkins, Associate Director of Choral Activities.

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Fellowship

How to apply: Select the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra Fellowship when prompted on the Graduate Application. An audition and interview may be required.