COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music (MM) in Conducting at Wichita State University is a 32-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced professional work as conductors in choral, orchestral, or wind ensemble settings. The program emphasizes both academic study and intensive applied training, requiring students to complete at least half of their coursework at the 700 level or above. All students begin with core requirements including MUSC 852 Introduction to Bibliography and Research and either MUSC 829 Practical Application of Tonal Analysis or MUSC 831 Music Theory Pedagogy, providing a foundation in research methods and theoretical analysis. Students also complete 7 credit hours of musicology and theory electives drawn from areas such as musical form and analysis, performance analysis, music in media, aesthetics, global music studies, identity studies, and advanced seminars in music theory and history, allowing academic flexibility within a structured framework. The conducting specialization includes required applied coursework such as MUSP 790C Special Topics: Conducting, MUSP 790R Score Analysis, MUSP 790K Performance Practicum, and MUSP 790AD Rehearsal Techniques, which together build essential skills in interpretation, rehearsal strategy, and ensemble leadership. Students gain practical experience through approved ensemble participation and conducting observation laboratories arranged by their advisor, working with groups such as wind ensemble, orchestra, symphonic band, and concert chorale. Additional electives totaling 6 credit hours may be selected from approved graduate music or related courses. A key component of the program is the graduate conducting recital (MUSP 873), which serves as the applied learning requirement and must be performed with university ensembles or approved external groups. Students are also required to pass comprehensive examinations covering both musicology/music theory and conducting specialization content. Overall, the program integrates scholarly study, performance practice, and leadership training to prepare graduates for professional conducting careers and advanced musical study.