Performance - Conducting

Overview

This Performance - Conducting MM program from Arizona State University is also beneficial for public school teachers of orchestras and wind bands who want to strengthen their skills.

There are three tracks within this concentration.

• The wind band track allows conductors to study privately with the director of bands and work closely with other members of the conducting faculty, including the director of athletic bands, to develop their conducting and rehearsal skills.

Podium time is essential for the development of conducting skills; therefore, wind band conductors enjoy significant time leading the ASU Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony, serving as assistant conductor of the Maroon Band, and co-directing the Gold Band. Another exciting opportunity is the ASU Chamber Winds, a stand-alone graduate-level chamber wind group that the wind band conducting students get to work with twice a week.

• The orchestral track is designed to meet the needs of the conductor who focuses on orchestral conducting. Required courses are specific to orchestral conducting, and elective courses provide additional opportunities for further orchestral study.
• The music direction track is designed to meet the needs of the musical director focusing on musical theatre and opera conducting. Required courses focus on music theatre and opera rehearsal techniques, technical production and repertoire.

Career Opportunities

Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching and arts advocacy and are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship and the focused discipline needed for success as musicians are all highly valued by a wide range of companies and professions. School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.

Career examples include:

• artistic director
• arts administrator
• community arts advocate
• conductor
• performing musician
• public or community school teacher
• university professor