Graduate Studies

Western Michigan University's School of Music offers the master of music degree in performance—choral conducting. 

• Selective program with highly personal teacher-student interaction.
• Eight choral ensembles performing in a variety of styles and genres.
• Abundant podium time with multiple ensembles.
• Graduate Assistantships available with tuition scholarship and teaching stipend.
• Significant scholarships and funding opportunities available.
• Ample opportunity for outside employment in the Kalamazoo area.

Graduate conducting students at WMU benefit from considerable podium time in front of all our ensembles. During the course of the 2-year program, each student will be assistant conductor for the University Chorale and Collegiate Singers and will complete two full semesters as conductor of the Collegium Musicum. Involvement with the opera program, women's chorus and vocal jazz programs is also possible for students interested in those genres.

WMU’s School of Music has been host to many esteemed guest conductors, choirs, and master teachers. Our conducting students benefit directly from the masterclasses, presentations and lessons with these professionals. Recent academic years have included:

• A residency with master teacher Simon Carrington
• Masterclasses with composer/conductor Alice Parker, musicologist Mollie Stone, conductors Beverly Taylor, Peter Bagley, Andrew Clark, Andrew Megill, and the award-winning choral ensemble, Chanticleer 

Please see the School of Music graduate page for more information on the graduate conducting program at WMU.

Apply

We are currently accepting applications for the M.M. program in choral conducting for the 2016-17 academic year. Applications, including a screening DVD or video link, must be submitted by February 2016 to be considered for assistantship funding. Early applications are encouraged. Your University application will be processed by both the Office of Admissions and Orientation and the School of Music. After completing your application, Professor David Code, coordinator of graduate studies in music, will act as the liaison between the School of Music and the graduate admissions office. 

Assistantships include partial or full tuition remission; each assistantship also comes with a stipend. Additional scholarships are available for qualified students.

Auditions

In addition to completing an application, entrance into the School of Music requires that you audition for the conducting faculty. The audition will be scheduled after your application is reviewed by the WMU Office of Admissions, School of Music and conducting faculty. In the audition, you will: 

• Conduct and rehearse an appropriate University ensemble on a work or on works to be selected in consultation with the appropriate conducting faculty member.
• Demonstrate aural perception, sight reading and score reading skills.
• Demonstrate keyboard competency, singing proficiency and diction proficiency in English and at least one foreign language.
• Take a written and verbal diagnostic exam (not in lieu of the entrance exam).

For information on programs, auditions and assistantship availability, contact Dr. Kimberly Dunn Adams, Director of Choral Activities, (269) 387-4715 | Email Dr. Adams