Overview

The Conducting M.M. at San Diego State University provides a rigorous professional environment for students to refine their artistic expression and technical leadership. This master’s level programme focuses on developing high-level musicality through a combination of private tuition and practical experience with diverse ensembles. Students are fully integrated into the creative life of the School of Music and Dance, preparing them for professional careers in the global music industry.

Why Conducting at San Diego State University?

The university features a faculty of nationally recognised artist-teachers who provide weekly private lessons and direct mentorship. Students enjoy unparalleled podium time, working with large and small ensembles, orchestras, bands, and choirs. A distinctive feature of the programme is the capstone entrepreneurial recital, where students manage every aspect of producing a public concert. Furthermore, the school’s location allows for performance opportunities at prestigious venues across the city of San Diego.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the technical and administrative aspects of musical leadership, covering gesture, movement, and rehearsal pedagogy. Modules may include:

Score Study and Analysis
Rehearsal Techniques
Literature
Programming
Logistics and Administration
Advocacy
Group Vocal Pedagogy
Lyric and Diction
Musicology

Careers with Conducting

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the professional music sector, drawing on the practical experience gained through ensemble leadership and program administration. The programme equips students with the skills necessary to serve as music educators, church musicians, or directors of community choruses and instrumental groups. Many alumni pursue further doctoral studies or secure positions as conductors for professional orchestras and wind bands. The focus on entrepreneurial skills also enables graduates to establish and manage their own independent musical organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History
Music Theory
Advanced Performance Studies: Conducting
Music History
Research Procedures in Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You can apply to SDSU as a graduate student if you:

have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or one approved by a Ministry of Education or
will have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or one approved by a Ministry of Education by the term immediately prior to enrollment.
have a minimum U.S. equivalent GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 (B grade or about 80%) or higher is required to be considered for admission.

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

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 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

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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