Conducting M.A., D.M.A.
As a small department within a large School of Music, we offer graduate students the best of both worlds: excellent access to research libraries, stimulating performance opportunities, and ample teaching opportunities, all with a maximum of individualized attention from faculty.
Choral Conducting
- Degree requirements for Master of Arts: Choral Conducting
- Degree Requirements for Doctor of Musical Arts: Choral Conducting
Contact information: Timothy Stalter, Director of Choral Activities, 319-335-1677, timothy-stalter@uiowa.edu
Orchestral Conducting
- Degree requirements for Master of Arts: Orchestral Conducting
- Degree requirements for Doctor of Musical Arts: Orchestral Conducting
Description of the orchestral conducting program:
The orchestral conducting program trains the next generation of conductors for both the professional world and academia, depending on the profile/goals of each conductor.
As podium time is critical for conducting students, they will have opportunities to conduct multiple ensembles: the Lab Ensemble twice weekly, UISO as assistant conductors in sectionals, full rehearsals, and run-throughs, AUSO (to become the Campus Symphony Orchestra in the Spring 2022). Each graduate student, depending on their availability, will also have at least one opportunity to assist and conduct one performance of an opera or musical theater performance.
During the studies, a serious emphasis will be put on basic aural training such as score reading/singing, transpositions, knowledge of styles and instruments, lyric diction, inner hearing, and everything pertaining to become an excellent and competitive conductor.
The conducting student will also develop effective rehearsal techniques, create programs for educational and pops concerts, and receive expert guidance in applications for competitions, auditions, masterclasses, and jobs.
The curriculum offers a broad array of skills that prepare students for careers as an Assistant to a Music Director, a Music Director, a Youth Symphony Music Director, Director of Orchestral Studies, etc.
The Orchestral Conducting program is developing partnerships with professional ensembles across the U.S. For example, during the 2021-22 season, all conducting students are offered, under certain conditions, the opportunity to cover at least one series with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic.
Prescreening:
- A written statement describing personal interest in a graduate degree in orchestral conducting, plus expectations and aspirations following degree studies.
- A resume which includes performing instrument, academic information, professional experiences as a performer and/or conductor, and references (email and phone number to be included)
- A Vimeo or Youtube link (without password) to a 10–15-minute video (up to 4 contrasting excerpts), in frontal view, featuring if possible both rehearsal and performance.
The deadline is December 1st to submit all materials.
Successful applicants being considered for a TA will be invited for an audition on campus in January or February 2022.
Contact information: Melisse Brunet, Director of Orchestras, 319-467-4224, melisse-brunet@uiowa.edu
Wind Conducting
- Degree requirements for Master of Arts: Wind Conducting
- Degree requirements for Doctor of Musical Arts: Wind Conducting
Admission Requirement
Applicants should contact Dr.. Heidel (mark-heidel@uiowa.edu) immediately upon deciding to apply to the graduate wind conducting program.
- Applicants will be assigned a wind band composition to analyze.
- Applicants are required to submit a video of a rehearsal and/or performance (frontal view).
- Finalists will have a Zoom interview/conducting lesson with faculty.
Contact information: Richard Mark Heidel, Director of Bands, 319-335-1635, mark-heidel@uiowa.edu