Overview

The Conducting programme at Mercer University provides a rigorous academic and practical framework for musicians aiming to master the art of leadership in performance. This Master of Music degree is specifically tailored for those who have already completed an undergraduate qualification and seek to refine their technical expertise.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances artistic expression with technical precision. The programme is structured to support individuals who aspire to professional roles within the music industry or those intending to pursue advanced doctoral studies. By focusing on either choral or instrumental disciplines, the university ensures that every student receives specialised training relevant to their specific career goals.

Why Conducting at Mercer University?

The School of Music provides a distinctive environment where graduate students can immerse themselves in high-level performance and academic enquiry. The institution is recognised for its commitment to excellence, offering facilities that support both choral and instrumental development. Students are encouraged to engage with a variety of musical traditions and contemporary practices.

A unique feature of this degree is the opportunity to add a specific designation to the qualification. Candidates who wish to focus on religious contexts may include an "Emphasis in Sacred Music" by selecting six elective credits in designated courses. This flexibility allows students to align their studies with their personal professional interests and the needs of the global music community.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 820 per credit
National fee: USD 820 per credit
Local fee: USD 820 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in musical leadership and theory. Depending on the chosen pathway, modules may include:

Choral Conducting
Instrumental Conducting
Sacred Music
Music Performance
Collaborative Piano
Organ and Sacred Music Studies

Careers with Conducting

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to enter the professional music industry in a variety of leadership capacities. The training provided prepares students for roles as conductors for professional orchestras, community ensembles, or church music programmes. Many alumni also choose to continue their academic journey by enrolling in doctoral programmes to further specialise in musicology or performance.

The skills acquired during the residency are highly transferable within the arts sector, enabling graduates to work in music production, arts administration, or education. By fostering a deep understanding of both the technical and expressive elements of music, the university ensures its graduates are competitive candidates for prestigious positions worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Analytical Techniques

Graduate Studies in Music

Historical Study of Musical Styles and Literature

Orchestration/Composition

For Choral: Vocal Pedagogy

For Instrumental: Applied Lesson

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-05-19 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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115

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Doraville, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Music Liberal Arts View 416 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

7.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed Application Form with nonrefundable application fee of $100 (U.S.) payable to Mercer University. This fee must accompany the application.
Official transcripts of all academic records sent in a sealed envelope from all college and universities attended.
Curriculum vitae (summarizing academic, performance, and employment information). Optional: examples of involvement in liturgical, musical, or artistic activities.*
Repertory list of major performance area.
A writing sample, such as a term paper, thesis, course paper, etc.
A short essay (500-1,000 words) relating your goals pertaining to this degree.
Three letters of recommendation, each in a sealed envelope with the recommender's signature across the seal. The Recommendation Form should accompany each letter of recommendation.
Official scores from TOEFL (if applicable).

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27060 USD / year

≈ 27060 USD / year
Out-of-State

27060 USD / year

≈ 27060 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27060 USD / year

≈ 27060 USD / year

Living costs

Doraville

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Conducting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Doraville

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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