Master of Music (M.M.) – Choral Conducting
Entrance Requirements
The undergraduate music degree (typically the Bachelor of Music degree) is a prerequisite except in extraordinary circumstances. Graduate entrance examinations will be administered according to previously stated policy.
Prior to submitting a formal application, persons interested in the degree Master of Music in Choral Conducting must communicate with the director of the program. A formal application to the M.M. in Choral Conducting will include the following:
- Letter of Application
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement relating candidate's professional goals to the practice of choral music, in particular sacred choral music (500-1000 words).
- Pre-screening Performance Video (not required to be from an actual performance): 20-30 minutes of conducting (where the candidate is visible from the front) demonstrating works of contrasting styles; it is preferred to show examples of both rehearsal and performance if possible. Live on-campus audition requirements will be stipulated upon invitation.
- Invitation to campus for audition, interview, and testing is based on an evaluation of the application materials. Testing consists of demonstration of keyboard proficiency, open score-reading, dictation, and sight-singing. Conducting audition repertoire will be stipulated upon invitation to the live on-campus audition.
In addition to these application requirements for the degree program, a formal application to the University through Graduate Admissions is also necessary.
All graduate students entering the Master of Music in Choral Conducting must take the Music Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination.
| Program of Study: M.M. in Choral Conducting |
Semester Hours |
| Sacred and Choral Music |
8 |
| MUS 584 Liturgical Music |
3 |
| MUS 746 Seminar in Sacred Music |
3 |
| MUS 483 Composing for the Liturgy |
2 |
| Applied Skills |
7 |
| MUS 635 Repertory Chorus and Lessons |
4 |
| Secondary Private Music Instruction (organ or voice) |
3 |
| Music History |
3 |
| MUS 556 History of Sacred Music |
3 |
| Music Theory |
6 |
| MUS 711 Analytical Techniques I |
3 |
| MUS 712 Analytical Techniques II |
3 |
| Music Literature |
12 |
| MUS 634 Choral Seminar (taken in all four semesters) |
3 |
| Music Performance: MUS 507 Chamber Choir |
2 |
| Upon completion of unit requirement, non-credit participation in CUA Chamber Choir is required each semester in residence. For this non-credit participation, the student should register for MUS 507A. |
|
| Comprehensive Examinations: MUS 698A w/classes; MUS 698B w/o classes (see below) |
0 |
| Recital: MUS 697A w/classes; MUS 697B w/o classes (see below) |
0 |
| Total |
38 |
Graduation Requirements
The student may schedule comprehensive examinations (MUS 698A w/ classes; MUS 698B w/o classes) following the advisor's written approval. The comprehensive examination format is composed of written and oral elements, the particular details of which are determined by the student’s academic advisor in consultation with the major teacher.
A one-hour public recital (MUS 697A w/classes; MUS 697B w/o classes) in the area of concentration is required. This may be fulfilled by accruing the one hour’s worth of performance over several concerts or recitals during the student’s academic career at CUA in the degree program.