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Master of Music: Conducting

a conductor on stage

Program Information

The Rowan Experience
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Our Master of Music provides intensive experiences in performance, conducting, or composition, as well as courses geared to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the literature of your area of concentration - and a greater understanding of music in general. Our program is tailored for aspiring musicians who wish to make a career as a performer, conductor, or composer. It is also appropriate if you plan to continue your studies at the Ph.D. or D.M.A. level.

Graduates of Rowan's Master of Music program have gone on to major doctoral programs, orchestral careers, arts leadership positions, and careers as college professors and public school teachers.

The M.M. at Rowan University is designed to be four semesters long, but can be completed in two or three semesters - depending on number of hours taken/semester and the course rotation schedule.

Curriculum
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The Master of Music Performance offers the following focus areas: Guitar, Keyboard, Orchestral Instruments, and Vocal. The number of credits required to complete this program depends on the chosen focus area.

  • Music Theory and Music History placement exams the first week of classes (not admission bearing)
  • Total semester hours required for program completion: 34-38 s.h.
  • Culminating Experience (Recital): a recital jury is only required under special circumstances
  • Oral Comprehensive Exam
  • Thesis Requirement: none

The following courses make up the Master of Music: Conducting program.

  • 33-40 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 8 S.H.
MUS 04560 Form and Analysis 3
MUSG 05547 Music and the Related Arts 3
MUS 04561 Score Reading I 1
MUS 04562 Score Reading II 1
Group A Specialization Courses: 12-16 S.H.
MUS 10529 Graduate Conducting I 4
MUS 10530 Graduate Conducting II 4
MUS 10531 Graduate Conducting III 4
MUS 10532 Graduate Conducting IV 4
MUS 10533 Graduate Conducting I 6
MUS 10534 Graduate Conducting II 6
MUS 10535 Graduate Conducting III 6
MUS 10536 Graduate Conducting IV 6
Group B Specialization Courses: 2-4 S.H
MUS 10539 Graduate Ensemble: Concert Choir 1
MUS 10540 Graduate Ensemble: Concert Choir 1
MUS 10538 Graduate Ensemble: Concert Choir 1
MUS 10537 Graduate Ensemble: Concert Choir 1
MUS 10541-10544 Graduate Ensemble: Jazz Band 1
MUS 10545-10548 Graduate Ensemble: Lab Band 1
MUS 10549 Graduate Ensemble: Orchestra 1
MUS 10550 Graduate Ensemble: Orchestra 1
MUS 10551 Graduate Ensemble: Orchestra 1
MUS 10552 Graduate Ensemble: Orchestra 1
MUS 10553 Graduate Ensemble: Wind Ensemble 1
MUS 10554 Graduate Ensemble: Wind Ensemble 1
MUS 10555 Graduate Ensemble: Wind Ensemble 1
MUS 10556 Graduate Ensemble: Wind Ensemble 1
MUS 04536 Chamber Music I 1
MUS 04537 Chamber Music II 1
Elective Courses
MUSG 06546 Development and Interpretation of Symphonic Literature 3
MUSG 06509 String Instrument Literature 3
MUSG 06542 Opera Literature 3
MUSG 06503 Jazz History 3
MUSG 06506 Art Song Literature 3
MUS 04551 Piano Accompanying I 1
MUSG 06303 Choral Literature 2
Choral Conducting Focus Area: 9 S.H.
MUS 04514 Choral Procedures 2
MUSG 06542 Opera Literature 3
MUS 04557 Advanced Orchestration 3
Orchestral Conducting Focus Area: Choose 9 S.H.
MUSG 06546 Development and Interpretation of Symphonic Literature 3
MUSG 06542 Opera Literature 3
MUS 04557 Advanced Orchestration 3
Wind Conducting Focus Area: 9 S.H.
MUSG 06511 Twentieth Century Band Literature 3
MUS 04565 Seminar in Band Conducting 3
MUS 04557 Advanced Orchestration 3
Elective Courses: 3 S.H.
MUSG 04551 Piano Accompanying 1
MUSG 06503 Jazz History 3
MUSG 06506 Art Song Literature 3
MUSG 06509 String Instrument Literature 3

*All focus area coursework require an approved French or Italian or German language course as part of the program.

*Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • Completed Music Audition Application
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Current professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Performance Audition (contact Rachel Michel for information or to submit audition)
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Conductor

Career Outlook

Many musicians pursue advanced degrees to develop a better understanding of their craft, create meaningful connections with music, and hone their practice. Our master's degree in music will provide the intensive experience that is necessary to carry your music career aspirations to the next level - for performers, conductors or composers.

Admission

Additional Information