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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Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 for Fall 2027 entry

Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission.

Application Requirements:

Completion of a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Online Application for Graduate Admission
Personal Statement
Résumé
Two letters of recommendation commenting on your musical and academic abilities.
Transcripts from all colleges and universities where you did the following*:
- 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
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.
Pre-screening videos

*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 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: If you pass the pre-screening phase, you will be invited to campus to complete an interview and a conducting audition with appropriate choral conducting faculty. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. The audition will consist of an interview, conducting a portion of a Butler choir, an informal solo demonstration 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.

Step 3: Complete any Graduate Assistantship position interviews/auditions. Requirements differ by position. We will do our best to include any required evaluations during your audition day.chool 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 Area Graduate Assistantship

Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference will be given to students pursuing an MM in Choral Conducting; however, students with requisite experience pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.

How to apply: Select the Choral Area 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; 10 hours of service per week.

Faculty supervisors: Eric Stark, Director of Choral Activities and Becky Marsh, Associate Professor of Music Education (Choral)

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Fellowship

How to apply: Select the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Fellowship 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 Indianpolis Symphonic Choir (ISC), under the direction of Dr. Eric Stark, ISC Artistic Director as well as ISC Assistant Artistic Director as an artistic partner in the leadership of the chorus as well as participating in/attending all artistic functions of the ISC, including but not limited to rehearsals, performances, coachings, auditions, and regular staff meetings. Further responsibilities may include leading sectionals/rehearsals or conducting the chorus in performance; it is therefore required that whoever holds this position maintains a high degree of knowledge of the repertoire being performed on an ongoing basis. Other tasks may include maintaining singer rosters/seating charts, part marking, production support (i.e. listening for balance, venue set-up, etc.), creating program notes, coordinating outreach activities, and other duties as assigned by ISC Artistic Director and Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Eric Stark.

Faculty supervisors: Eric Stark, ISC Artistic Director.

INTERNAL RESOURCES

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Master of Music in Choral Conducting

Choral Area Graduate Assistantship

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Fellowship