MUSC 515 Graduate Conducting

Intermediate and advanced instruction in choral and instrumental conducting techniques for music educators. Knowledge and skill areas stressed are a review of conducting gestures and patterns; advanced score interpretation, rehearsal management and technique, special challenges in choral and instrumental contexts.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

This course is designed to refine pre-existing choral and/or instrumental conducting skills in the music educator. Specific attention will be given to the music teacher as conductor. Areas of study include: 1) advanced conducting technique; 2) advanced score study, marking, and preparation; and 3) advanced rehearsal techniques. Representative literature from various periods will be studied and conducted. The course provides extended teaching, coaching, and podium time working with ensembles in rehearsal (lab ensemble).

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a narrative thread in response to the provided prompt for each of the two discussions. The initial thread must be at least 400 words, and each reply must be at least 200 words. The student will be required to respond to 2 classmates’ prompts for each Discussion. For each thread and reply, the student must support his/her assertions with at least 1 scholarly citation from the course readings and 1 biblical reference in current Turabian format.

Conducting Video Assignment

The student will conduct a song/piece. The student may record himself/herself conducting a live ensemble or a recording. The student must ensure the camera is positioned so that his/her hands and face are clearly visible. This assignment will serve as a baseline for the professors to assess conducting skills and to inform instruction during the intensive week. Choral conducting students must conduct one song totaling 4-5 minutes. Instrumental conducting students must conduct a piece lasting 5-8 minutes.

Score Analysis Assignment

The student will complete advanced analysis and marking as applied to a work by a choral or instrumental ensemble. The instrumental student must prepare at least 100 measures of a piece of music as if he/she will rehearse it. The choral student must choose a song from standard high school literature that is 3–5 minutes in length. In addition, the student will complete a paper of 1,000–1,500 words. The paper must include at least 2 citations and be in current Turabian format.

On the last day of class (Friday morning), the student will have the opportunity to conduct a live ensemble (choral or instrumental). The student will be assigned a piece on the first day of class (Monday) that he/she will analyze, mark, and prepare to conduct throughout the week. The student will be evaluated on how well he/she communicates his/her expectations to the group through non-verbal interaction (gestures).

Rehearsal Observation: Observing Technique Assignment

The student will contact a local conductor about observing a rehearsal and complete a written observation of 500-800 words. The ensemble should pertain to the student’s chosen track (Choral or Instrumental). If the student is unable to observe a live ensemble, video alternatives will be provided.

Final Reflection Video Assignment

The Final Reflection is the synthesis of all that the student has learned during the intensive, presented as a lecture video.  This is the student’s opportunity to reflect on what he/she has learned and to demonstrate the improvements he/she has made in his/her rehearsal and conducting gestures.  

The student will submit a 5-7 minute video presentation (length strictly enforced).  This presentation will include a reflection on the course and the concepts of conducting.  The student will consider personal growth, technique, listening skills, and leadership. The student may also offer any other reflections on the intensive week that he/she chooses. The student must speak clearly and dress professionally. 

Quiz: Musical Background

The student will answer 4 essay questions related to his/her conducting background and experience. The quiz allows 1 attempt and must be completed in 1 hour.