Graduate Certificate in Conducting
Offered for matriculated master's students with a different major concentration, the graduate certificate in conducting prepares post-baccalaureate performers, educators, theorists, historians, composers, and other musicians to conduct music in a variety of settings. These credentials certify that students have acquired professional skills necessary to conduct, making them more competitive on the job market. Matriculating master’s students will usually distribute a certificate’s required courses (11 credits) over two years of study.
Download a pdf with the requirements on this webpage =>
Prerequisites: Matriculated students must have a baccalaureate degree before beginning coursework. Students must also pass an audition.
GPA requirement: Earn a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course used toward a certificate.
Conducting Applied Studies (4 credits) (To be selected from among the following courses):
MUSICAPP 617C: Choral Conducting (2 credits)
MUSICAPP 617O: Orchestral Conducting (2 credits)
MUSICAPP 617W: Wind Conducting (2 credits)
Two core seminars in conducting (4 credits) (To be selected from among the following courses):
MUSIC 697C, 697D, 697E, 697F: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Choral
MUSIC 697J, 697K, 697L, 697M: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Orchestral
MUSIC 697N, 697O, 697P, 697Q: Graduate Conducting Seminar--Wind
Two ensembles (2 credits - taken concurrently with applied conducting lessons)
(To be selected from among the following courses):
MUSIC 563: Chamber Choir
MUSIC 565: UMass Amherst Symphony Orchestra
MUSIC 567: Symphony Band
MUSIC 568: Wind Ensemble
MUSIC 593J: Seminar- All-University Orchestra
MUSIC 597C: Conductors’ Chorus
Other 500 level music ensembles approved by the main conducting professor.
Capstone Project (1 credit for a half recital, lecture recital, or other creative project)
(To be determined in consultation with the main conducting professor):
MUSIC 692N: (S-Non-Degree Graduate Recital)
MUSIC 696: (Independent Study)
APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM:
There is no formal application for this Certificate program for matriculated MM students. Eligible students who have completed the prerequisites and course/project requirements will automatically be awarded the Certificate upon completion or graduation.
Please fill out the Certificate Eligibility Form on the Graduate School website, have it signed by the Graduate Program Director (Prof. Erinn Knyt), and submit to the Graduate Student Service Center, 534 Goodell, by the appropriate deadline listed on the form.
Questions? Please contact Graduate Program Director Erinn Knyt, Rm. 366 Bromery Center, eknyt@music.umass.edu, 413-545-1247
