Conducting
Oklahoma City University Campus, United States
Master of Music in Conducting
Oklahoma City University
Conducting
Master of Music in Conducting at Oklahoma City University
The Master of Music in Conducting at Oklahoma City University is designed for students who wish to further conducting studies begun in undergraduate music degrees from NASM-accredited universities and to pursue careers in conducting in both professional and educational settings. Housed within the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, this rigorous graduate program offers an immersive environment where aspiring conductors develop advanced podium skills across multiple disciplines.
Students in this program declare an area of emphasis in winds, orchestral, or choral conducting but are required to conduct in all areas, including opportunities to conduct in opera and music theater productions. This cross-disciplinary approach ensures that graduates emerge as versatile conductors prepared for the diverse demands of the modern music profession.
With access to OCU's state-of-the-art Wanda L. Bass Music Center, a 113,000-square-foot facility featuring ensemble rehearsal spaces, recording venues, and concert halls, students benefit from an exceptional learning environment. The program's intimate class sizes and dedicated faculty provide individualized mentorship that is central to each student's artistic growth.
Program Highlights
- Multiple conducting emphases available: winds, orchestral, and choral, with required cross-disciplinary training
- Regular podium time with major university ensembles under expert faculty supervision
- Opportunities to conduct opera and music theater productions alongside traditional concert repertoire
- Housed in the Wanda L. Bass Music Center with rehearsal halls, recording venues, and concert spaces
Curriculum and Modules
The Master of Music in Conducting curriculum integrates advanced conducting technique, score study, music scholarship, pedagogy, and professionalism. Students receive weekly conducting instruction and regular podium experience with university ensembles, ensuring a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application throughout the program.
Weekly private conducting lessons with faculty, focusing on advanced baton technique, gestural communication, rehearsal strategies, and interpretive development across orchestral, wind, and choral repertoire.
In-depth study of analytical methods for score preparation, examining harmonic structure, form, orchestration, and stylistic considerations across major works from the standard conducting repertoire.
Supervised conducting experiences with OCU's major ensembles including the symphony orchestra, wind philharmonic, and choral groups, providing regular podium time in rehearsal and performance settings.
Advanced survey of music history and literature relevant to conductors, covering major compositional periods, stylistic evolution, and the conductor's role in historical and contemporary performance practice.
Graduate-level study of advanced tonal and post-tonal theory, Schenkerian analysis, and other analytical frameworks essential for informed score interpretation and rehearsal preparation.
Elective Areas
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Music in Conducting at Oklahoma City University is selective and based on a combination of academic credentials, conducting experience, and a live audition. All applications and inquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu, your dedicated partner for the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeBachelor of Music degree from a NASM-accredited institution or equivalent
- Conducting AuditionOn-campus conducting audition with a university ensemble on a pre-assigned piece, plus video recordings submitted prior to campus visit
- Faculty InterviewInterview with members of the conducting faculty, scheduled by appointment
- Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- GPA RequirementContact Uni4Edu for current minimum GPA requirements
Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80 (for international students whose first language is not English)
- TOEFL PBTMinimum score of 550
- Alternative TestsContact Uni4Edu for accepted alternatives such as IELTS or Duolingo English Test
Required Documents
Key Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Oklahoma City University's Wanda L. Bass School of Music offers generous scholarship and assistantship opportunities for graduate conducting students. Academic and music talent scholarships can be combined to cover a significant portion of educational costs, and graduate assistantships provide additional financial support along with valuable professional experience.
Music Talent Scholarship
Varies — up to full tuition when stacked with academic awardsAwarded based on conducting audition results, these merit-based scholarships recognize exceptional musical talent and can be combined with academic scholarships to cover up to 100 percent of tuition costs.
Graduate Assistantship
Full tuition waiver plus stipendGraduate assistantships include a full tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for 10 hours per week of ensemble participation and other duties, providing students with professional experience and financial support.
Endowed Music Scholarships
Varies by fundSeveral endowed scholarships, including the Georgia M. Winton Music Scholarship and the Nellie J. Moss Scholarship, are available to graduate music students based on merit and financial need. Contact Uni4Edu for eligibility details.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Conducting Graduates
Graduates of the Master of Music in Conducting from Oklahoma City University are prepared for diverse careers across the performing arts. The program's emphasis on versatility, with training across choral, orchestral, wind, opera, and music theater conducting, equips graduates to succeed in a wide range of professional and educational settings.
Potential Career Paths
Regional and National Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Oklahoma City University is consistently recognized for its outstanding performing arts and music programs. The Wanda L. Bass School of Music has earned national acclaim, and the university's commitment to artistic excellence is reflected in rankings from multiple respected sources.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America | Niche | #23 |
| Best Colleges for Music in America | Niche | #26 |
| Best Christian Colleges in America | Niche | #5 |
| Music (Oklahoma State Ranking) | College Factual | #1 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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