For over three decades, the University of Iowa School of Music has been a leader in the education of conductors at the graduate level. Many fine students have graduated from this program, moving on to some of the most important choral positions in the country. 

The choral faculty, comprised of the director of choral activities, Dr. Timothy Stalter, and the assistant director of choral activities, Dr. David Puderbaugh, are dedicated, through their teaching, curriculum and music making, to offering a premier education in all aspects of the conductor’s art, especially gesture, effective rehearsing, and score study, in tandem with a deep immersion in choral literature. However, of equal importance, is the strong belief in the training of conductors’ minds, through rigorous engagement with the highest levels of musical scholarship. As one of the selective group of graduate students at the University of Iowa, you will receive personal attention as you proceed through historically informed class and private conducting lessons in parallel with graduate seminars in choral literature and performance practice. In addition, the choral faculty will serve as your mentors and advocates, both during your education and throughout your career. 

The graduate program in choral conducting and pedagogy normally has five to six graduate students in residence each academic year with funding for all of the students including a tuition waiver (including most fees), a stipend for a .25 time assistantship, and excellent health benefits. This number of students allows the faculty to better serve the needs of our students, providing more personal attention while, at the same time, assuring funding for your program. The choral area prides itself in offering a rich, varied, and supportive student body with whom to interact during your graduate education.

It is highly encouraged for you to contact Dr. Timothy Stalter at timothy-stalter@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-1677 to express your interest in applying to the graduate choral program and to ask any questions you may have before you apply or during the application process.