Conducting - Instrumental or Choral
- Master of Music
Instrumental Conducting
The Master of Music degrees in Conducting (Instrumental or Choral) offer students an intensive, focused study in their performance specialty, combined with a vigorous and balanced curriculum in music theory, music literature, and electives. Graduate conductors are mentored closely by outstanding faculty and are expected to exhibit mastery of their specialty at the end of the course of study by way of capstone experiences including recitals and comprehensive examinations. Students will focus on four key skills: score study, rehearsal techniques, repertoire selection, and artistic leadership. Graduate conductors are strongly encouraged to develop well-rounded skills through working with all performance areas: winds, strings, percussion, and voice. Students have access to private lessons with the conducting faculty and are encouraged to perform with multiple ensembles during their time at USF.
Performance Specialty: Wind Band Conducting
Graduate conductors who receive an assistantship with the USF Bands will work with all areas of the university鈥檚 bands, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, 鈥淗erd of Thunder鈥� Marching Band, and 鈥淩umble鈥� Pep Band. They will be involved in practically all musical, creative, and logistical operations of USF鈥檚 comprehensive band program, and will TA conducting, instrumental techniques, and music education classes. Students on assistantship will receive podium time each semester with a major ensemble and will focus on improving gestural, rehearsal, and error detection skills.
Performance Specialty: Orchestral Conducting
Students who pursue the master鈥檚 degree with an emphasis in orchestral conducting will embark on an intensive personal curriculum of score study and analysis, enhancing gestural development, and expanding depth of knowledge of repertoire through weekly private lessons and group seminars. All graduate students will have multiple occasions to conduct the 91社区 Symphony Orchestra in a conducting symposium setting, with Graduate Assistants often preparing works for concert performances as well. Orchestral graduate students are strongly encouraged to organize, prepare, and perform multiple chamber music recitals, as well as to conduct works in association with the USF Composition Department.
performance specialty: choral conducting
Students who pursue the master鈥檚 degree with an emphasis in choral conducting will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of choral ensembles including Chamber Singers, Blue Mood (vocal jazz) University Singers, and vocal ensembles in styles ranging from Gospel to contemporary commercial music. Graduate students will be involved in repertoire selection, program planning, and performance practices, and will work closely with the Director of Vocal Ensembles on the administration of a vibrant and growing choral program.
Alumni of the master鈥檚 degrees are leading successful music programs at major universities, arts magnet programs, and public and private schools throughout 91社区 and the nation. Recent USF conducting graduates have been accepted into some of the country鈥檚 most prestigious doctoral programs including the University of Michigan, The University of Texas, the University of Oklahoma, Louisiana State University, the Colorado University, and others. Conducting students leave USF with a wide variety of skills and opportunities that set them up for success in whichever direction they choose to pursue in this field.
Conducting Faculty
Dr. Trevor Butts, Director of Athletic Bands | tbutts3@usf.edu
Lauren Gates, Basic Conducting | laurengates514@usf.edu
Allyssa Jones, Director of Vocal Ensembles | allyssaj@usf.edu
Dr. Matthew McCutchen, Director of Bands | mccutchen@usf.edu
Dr. Matthew Wardell, Director of Orchestras | mwardell@usf.edu