Conducting

The Choral Conducting program is an elite program limited to a maximum of ten graduate students each year. Study focuses on the awareness of repertoire from all historical eras, with attention to performance practice considerations. Upon completion of the program, students will be well versed in a broad repertoire and fully conversant with genres, composers and representatives. Each choral conducting student will receive conducting experience with university ensembles and orchestras. In addition, candidates will be involved in major research and will be active in the pursuit of knowledge of current trends, techniques, procedures and historical data.

Master's candidates perform one recital and are responsible for no final paper. Doctoral candidates perform three recitals and write a major document. Doctoral candidates may and often do perform more recitals than are required. Well prepared for a professional career in music performance or music education/research, many of OU's graduates currently hold significant conducting and teaching positions throughout the country.

The graduate program in instrumental conducting at OU is designed to train conductors for successful professional and academic careers. Enrollment is kept low to afford students a maximum of hands-on conducting experience. A first-rate academic department provides young conductors with essential training in music history and theory. Students can expect training and experience in all important areas of conducting- orchestral, operatic, period-style and new music.