MUSC 516 Advanced Graduate Conducting

This course is a continuation of WMUS 515 OR MUSC 515 and focuses on developing advanced instruction in conducting techniques in traditional and non-traditional settings. Specific attention is given to the role of the conductor in practical contexts, including 21st century evangelical worship, professional orchestral/choral organizations, and elementary, secondary, and collegiate educational systems.

Because of the unique nature of the choir within the evangelical community, this course strategically focuses on the role of the choral conductor. This includes advanced instruction in choral conducting research methodology, gestural language, rehearsal techniques, programming, and problem solving for ensemble conductors and worship leaders.

Professional music training requires that a person be able to rehearse and conduct musical ensembles. The purpose of WMUS 516 is to identify the challenges and provide effective solutions to the issues related to 21st century choral conducting.

Knowledge and skill areas include: musical score research methodology, score selection, historical stylistic interpretation and performance practice, mastery of choral ensemble technique, advanced gestural conducting technique, development of choral tone, clarity of choral diction, effective rehearsal techniques, effective choral programming, and specific musical tools necessary for the effective choral musician.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 300 words and incorporate 2 scholarly sources. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads and incorporate 1 scholarly citation. Each reply must be 150 words.

Reflection Paper Assignments (2)

The student will write a Reflection Paper addressing topics related to the material in the assigned module: week. Each paper will be made up of 2 parts. The student must write at least 300 words per part for a total of 600 words. The paper must conform to current Turabian format.

Score Preparation Exercise Assignments (4)

The student will edit a score of anthem length with the modern conductor in mind. He or she will select a score using musical sources from the SPDL or IMSLP websites.

Video Demonstration Assignments (4)

The student will upload a 3-minute video of the conducting assignment for the assigned module: week. The video upload will demonstrate the student’s command of conducting gestures.

Interview Assignments (2)

The student will conduct 2 separate individual interviews of experienced conductors. The interviews will probe the conductor’s ideas related to rehearsing, conducting with feeling, teaching conductors, and personal and musical growth along with biblical integration.

Quiz: Midterm

The Quiz: Midterm will cover materials from Module 1: Week 1 — Module 4: Week 4. The Quiz: Midterm will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 essay questions, and have a 1-hour time limit.

Quiz: Final

The Quiz: Final will cover materials from Module 5: Week 5 — Module 8: Week 8. The Quiz: Final will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 essay questions, and have a 1 hour time limit.