MM: Conducting

Master of Music: Conducting Concentration

Choral Conducting Program Director:  William Culverhouse, wculverh@binghamton.edu

Orchestral Conducting Program Director:  Paul McShee, pmcshee@binghamton.edu  

PLEASE NOTE:  The Choral Conducting program will hold auditions in Spring 2023 for admission to the program in Fall 2023.  The Orchestral Conducting program will hold auditions next in Spring 2024 for admission to the program in Fall 2024.

Binghamton's M.M. program offers advanced student conductors a practice-based graduate program featuring extensive podium time and performance opportunities with a wide variety of University ensembles:

  • Choral: Harpur Chorale, Women's Chorus, Chamber Singers, and University Chorus, as well as the opportunity to interact with local school-based choral music programs if desired

  • Orchestral: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, as well as the opportunity to interact with local school-based orchestra and band programs if desired

Program Highlights

  • Assistantships available for M.M. students

  • Conducting experience at the graduate level, which positions students competitively for subsequent programs

  • Very low tuition and expenses

  • Distinguished faculty with extensive experience and international reputations in conducting, composition, solo performance, opera, musicology, early music, and music cognition

  • Individualized instruction in the studio and in masterclasses with distinguished guest artists

  • Seminars in musicology, composition, contemporary music, and orchestration

  • Opera chorus preparation opportunities

  • Collaboration opportunities with Departments of Theatre, Dance, and Cinema

  • New York City and Philadelphia are both easily accessible, with their vibrant arts environments

Program Overview

  • Minimum 12 credits in applied conducting studies
  • Minimum 4 credits in electives (ensembles and/or other courses)
  • 12 credits in Music History, Research, and Analysis courses
  • MM Thesis Performances

Admissions Requirements

Please go to the Apply page for complete information regarding admissions, auditions, and interviews.

Application Deadline

TThe MM program has a rolling admission and will accept applications at any time.  If you wish to be fully considered for funding in the 2023-2024 year, you must submit your application by February 1, 2023.