Master of Music in Conducting, Orchestral

Application deadlines are specific to degree programs. See our Graduate Admissions page for a list of all deadlines.

Designed for students seeking to develop into highly qualified professional conductors through intensive study with a major artist-teacher, the MM in Orchestral Conducting features one-to-one mentorship, advancement of technical skillsets and artistic sensibilities, and a comprehensive approach to the development of leaders within the profession and in their communities. The focus on artistic integrity is grounded in knowledge of the score, skillful and expressive conducting techniques, and the extra-musical aspects of a conductor’s responsibilities. MM students have opportunities to be assistant conductors to five symphony orchestras and to conduct works on their concerts. They also conduct at least one world premiere each year, work with faculty, student, and guest composers, and assist with the Contemporary Directions Ensemble. The University of Michigan Orchestra program performs a wide range of works from the historical canon, and through its program known as MORE (Michigan Orchestra Repertoire for Equity) and other activities, it is a leader in commissioning and recording new works from a range of diverse composers.

Curriculum

The Master of Music in Conducting: Orchestral requires a minimum of 32 credits. Coursework to include:

Orchestral Conducting Performance
Choral Conducting Seminar
Aural Skills for Conductors
Music Theory
Musicology
Ensemble participation
SMTD electives

Final Project:

A presentation of a final conducting project consisting of two or more conducting appearances, one of which must be with an SMTD major ensemble.

Silent Advisor

Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.

Go to Silent Advisor

Faculty

Reed Criddle

Visiting Professor and Interim Associate Director of Choral Activities

Choirs, Conducting

Jason Fettig

Professor of Music and Director of Bands

Bands, Conducting

Richard Frey

Lecturer

Marching & Athletic Bands

Kenneth Kiesler

Professor of Music and Director of University Orchestras

Jayce Ogren

Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Orchestras

John Pasquale

Donald R. Shepherd Clinical Professor of Conducting; Director of Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands; Associate Director of Bands; Faculty Associate, African Studies Center, LSA International Institute; and Chief Marshal to the University

Eugene Rogers

Associate Professor of Music and Director of University Choirs

Ellen Rowe

Acting Chair of Jazz; Chair of Conducting; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Music

Julie Skadsem

Associate Professor of Music

Courtney Snyder

Associate Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands

Performance Opportunities

From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests.

smtd performance opportunities

USO

University Symphony Orchestra

Kenneth Kiesler, conductor
The USO strives for and attains the highest level of excellence as a symphony orchestra. Led by the Director of Orchestras, the USO has performed on GRAMMY Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated albums and is committed to performing the greatest works in the symphonic repertoire from the Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras, with concerts in historic Hill Auditorium. The USO frequently commissions new works, performs with celebrated guest soloists, and is one of the ensembles that accompanies the SMTD Concerto Competition winners.

UPO

University Philharmonia Orchestra

Jayce Ogren, conductor
With a string section comprising all freshman, the Philharmonia Orchestra provides student musicians an immersive opportunity to improve their large ensemble skills and play some of the greatest works in the symphonic repertoire.