Master of Arts in Orchestral Conducting

Earn your MA in orchestral conducting

The University of Iowa's orchestral conducting program trains the next generation of conductors for both the professional world and academia, depending on the profile and goals of each conductor.

There are two fully funded openings for the upcoming year, DMA and/or MA with a stipend (TA 25 percent and 50 percent available).

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As podium time is critical for conducting students, they will have opportunities to conduct multiple ensembles: the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra as assistant conductors in sectionals, full rehearsals, and run-throughs, and the Campus Symphony Orchestra. 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 is put on basic aural training such as score reading/singing, transpositions, knowledge of styles and instruments, lyric diction, inner hearing, and everything pertaining to becoming 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, a director of orchestral studies, etc.

The MA in orchestral conducting requires 40-41 semester hours and a minimum of 24 credits earned at the University of Iowa.

Contact the faculty

For more information, contact David Gompper, Interim Director of Orchestral Studies.

How to apply to the program

The deadline is Dec. 1, 2023, to submit all materials.

To be considered for this program, please submit:

A written statement describing personal interest in a graduate degree in orchestral conducting, plus expectations and aspirations following degree studies.
A resume that includes performing instruments, 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.
A Vimeo or Youtube link (without password) to a 2-minute video introducing yourself and stating why you decided to become a conductor.

Successful applicants being considered for a TA will be invited for an audition on campus in January or February.

View full requirements and apply

Requirements and program planning

Download course checklist

Introduction to Graduate Study in Music (MUS:5300), 2 semester hours

Review of Undergraduate Theory (MUS:5200): Required of all graduate students who do not pass the advisory examination in music theory. It must be taken before completing 6 semester hours from the following list of theory courses. This course does not count toward graduate degree requirements.

Students exempt from MUS:5200 through the advisory examination in music theory must complete 6 s.h. from the following:

Counterpoint Before 1600 (MUS:4200), 3 semester hours
Counterpoint After 1600 (MUS:4201), 3 semester hours
Jazz Theory (MUS:4730), 3 semester hours
Tonal Analysis (MUS:5235), 3 semester hours
Non-Tonal Analysis (MUS:5236), 3 semester hours
Analysis of Popular Music (MUS:5237), 3 semester hours
Special Topics in Theory and Analysis (MUS:5240), 3 semester hours
History of Ideas in Music (MUS:6210), 3 semester hours
Theoretical Approaches to Music (MUS:6211), 3 semester hours
Theory Pedagogy (MUS:6215), 3 semester hours
Advanced Tonal Theory and Analysis (MUS:6250), 3 semester hours
Advanced Non-Tonal Theory and Analysis (MUS:6251), 3 semester hours
Advanced Theory and Analysis of Popular Music (MUS:6252), 3 semester hours

Students: Select from the courses listed below. Only one 4000-level course (taken at the University of Iowa or equivalent transferred in from another institution) may count toward the 6 s.h. required.

Music and Gender (MUS:4320), 3 semester hours
Medieval and Renaissance Music (MUS:4325), 3 semester hours
Baroque Music (MUS:4330), 3 semester hours
18th-Century Music (MUS:4335), 3 semester hours
19th-Century Music (MUS:4340), 3 semester hours
20th-Century Music (MUS:4345), 3 semester hours
Advanced Jazz History (MUS:4350), 3 semester hours
American Music (MUS:4355), 3 semester hours
Jazz Matters (MUS:4360), 3 semester hours
Studies in Film and Music (MUS:4610), 3 semester hours
Teaching Music, History, and Culture (MUS:6305), 3 semester hours
Topics in Musicology (MUS:6310), 3 semester hours
Historical Approaches to Music (MUS:6312), 3 semester hours
Topics in Ethnomusicology (MUS:6314), 3 semester hours
Foundations of Ethnomusicology (MUS:6315), 3 semester hours
Renaissance Music Notations (MUS:6326), 3 semester hours
Music Editing (MUS:6375), 3 semester hours

Ensemble enrollment based on consultation with the director of orchestral studies, cannot be an orchestra or marching band. Four semesters are required, one semester hour each, four semester hours.

22-23 semester hours of these courses are required.

Applied lessons on instrument/voice based on consultation with the director of orchestral studies – two semesters required, 2 semester hours
Graduate Diction (MUS:5510): Offered spring only, two semester hours
Advanced Orchestral Conducting (MUS:6580): Four semesters required, 2 semester hours each, eight semester hours
Score Reading (MUS:6585), 1 semester hours
Advanced Orchestral Literature/Professional Development (MUS:6586), four semesters required; 2 semester hours each, 8 semester hours
MA Recital (MUS:6900), 1-2 semester hours

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