Master of Music in Choral Conducting
We offer both a MM in Choral Conducting and a MM in Instrumental Conducting. The MM in 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.
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
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
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 Indianapolis Youth Orchestra 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: Serve as assistant to Dr. Eric Stark, Director of Choral Activities, and Dr. Becky Marsh, Associate Professor of Music, Choral Music Ed. Position will require 10 hours of service per week. Schedule, specific duties, and exact number of hours per week are determined at the start of the fall semester.
Faculty supervisors: Eric Stark, Director of Choral Activities and John Perkins, Associate Director of Choral Activities.
Dr. Eric Stark, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, Butler Chorale and Chamber Singers
Dr. Becky Marsh, Associate Professor of Music, Choral Music Ed, Spectra
For application or general questions, contact the JCA Admission office at JCAadmissions@butler.edu or 317-940-9656.