Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting
The Master’s in Instrumental Conducting program is designed for students interested in expanding their knowledge, skill, and effectiveness in conducting instrumental 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 instrumental ensembles (Butler University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, etc.) with weekly individual lessons in score study, gesture, rehearsal techniques, and repertoire knowledge. While it is not required, students may choose to focus on Orchestral or Wind conducting. 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 band or orchestra director at the secondary level.
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 instrumental conducting faculty. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. The audition will consist of a conducting audition, a short demonstration on your primary instrument, and a written exam assessing your musical skills and knowledge. 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
- Conducting Recital
- Final Comprehensive Exam
- Applied Music
- Ensemble
- Research in Music
- Music History Electives
- Music Theory Elective
- General Music Electives
Band Area Assistantships
Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference is given to MM in Instrumental Conducting students, but students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Select the Band Area assistantship position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.
Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.
Duties: Serve as assistant to the Band Area including, but not limited to, conducting assignments with athletic and concert bands, administrative duties supporting the appropriate band as assigned (i.e. music distribution, rehearsal logistics, etc.), attending bi-weekly Band Area meetings, and other duties as assigned by Director of Bands, Dr. Trae Blanco, and Director of Athletic Bands, Professor Melissa Johnson
Faculty Supervisors: Trae Blanco, Director of Bands; Aaron Burkhart, Director of Athletic Bands.
Butler Symphony Orchestra assistantship
Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference is given to MM in Instrumental Conducting students, but students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Select the Butler Symphony Orchestra assistantship position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.
Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.
Duties: Serve as assistant to Prof. Richard Clark, Director of Butler Symphony Orchestra. Position will require 10 hours of service per week.
Faculty Supervisors: Richard Clark, Director of Butler Symphony Orchestra
317-940-9656
800-368-6852, ext. 9656




