Program Overview
Boston Conservatory at Berklee's conducting program is rooted in the belief that today's conductor must be well versed in a vast range of instrumental repertoire for any type of ensemble. Under the guidance of esteemed faculty, students have the opportunity to observe and participate in the many ensemble experiences at the Conservatory, collaborating with talented musicians who are passionate about creating top-quality performances for Boston audiences.
The Conservatory's location in the heart of Boston is an ideal setting for aspiring conductors in any musical genre. Not only is the Conservatory within walking distance of world-renowned organizations, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Handel and Haydn Society, and Boston Lyric Opera, but the school boasts an ever-growing network of community and professional ensembles that have a history of hiring Boston Conservatory-trained conductors and directors.
Our Students
Students in the conducting program are drawn to a career steadfast in leadership and collaboration. They are creative thinkers, inspired by the score and determined to explore its many possibilities for artistic expression. Those who are most successful in the program are proficient instrumentalists or vocalists who understand the value of every musician, and prioritize continued studies as a performer in support of their development as a conductor. Perhaps most importantly, conductors are thought leaders, so students in the program must dedicate themselves to a holistic program of intellectual and artistic growth.
Curriculum Overview
Boston Conservatory’s instrumental conducting degree balances significant podium time with a program of study designed to position artists for dynamic careers in arts leadership. Aspects of the program focus on the fundamentals of conducting technique, score and artistic preparation, and providing creative and impactful inspiration from the podium, as well as essential career development. Students work with a dedicated conductor’s ensemble in weekly readings and rehearsals, and colead a performance of the ensemble each semester. While the cohort of conductors works collaboratively in many settings, students make a choice to specialize in one of four tracks: - Orchestral Conducting
- Contemporary Music Conducting
- Wind Band Conducting
- Opera Conducting
This choice guides the selection of a private teacher for applied lessons, along with observation and apprenticeship experiences, repertoire studies, electives, and practical experiences. As a recital experience in their second year of study, graduate conducting students lead a performance by the premier-level Conservatory ensemble that corresponds with their area of specialization.
As part of the program, conducting students also receive private lessons on their primary instrument and take courses in advanced music theory and analysis, and music history and literature, and choose from a wide range of elective offerings, to benefit their future career planning.
Program Requirements
The Master of Music in Conducting program requires students to complete 32 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the Sample Curriculum by Semester for additional details.
Proficiency Requirements
Upon matriculation to the Master of Music degree programs, candidates take proficiency examinations in music theory and music history. These exams are designed to identify minimum competencies in both areas reflecting a typical undergraduate preparation in music. Any deficiencies revealed by these exams must be corrected within the first year in residence through successful completion of prescribed review courses in ear training, harmony, or music history.
Major Requirements
- M-AP 0909 Conductor's Lab (0 credits; taken four times)
- M-AP 0091 Applied Concentrate Lessons (2 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-AP 5909 Applied Lesson: Conducting (8 credits total; 2 credits each)
- M-EX 6001 Oral Comprehensive: Program Notes (0 credits)
- M-EX 6002 Oral Comprehensive: Exam (0 credits)
- M-PR 5901 Movement, Theatrics, and Oration for Conductors (1 credit)
- M-SK 0009 Recital (0 credits)
- M-SK 5001 Graduate Diction Intensive (1 credit)
- M-ST 0909 Performance Seminar: Conducting (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
Track Requirements
Choose one of the following track-based courses, and take it every semester in residence:
- M-PR 5910 Conducting Practicum: Contemporary (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-PR 5911 Conducting Practicum: Opera and Theater (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-PR 5912 Conducting Practicum: Orchestral (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
- M-PR 5913 Conducting Practicum: Wind Band (4 credits total; 1 credit each)
Academics and Electives
- M-LT 5103 Writing About Music (1 credit)
- M-LT 5104 Communicating About Music (1 credit)
- M-LT 711xx Theory and Musicology Elective and/or M-SK 719xx Applied Theory Electives (4 credits total; 2 credits each)
- M-LT 712xx Graduate Seminar in Theory & Analysis (3 credits)
- M-LT 713xx Graduate Seminar in Music History (3 credits)
Your Future
Alumni of Boston Conservatory's conducting program have earned positions with esteemed ensembles, choruses, and schools nationally and internationally, including:
Ensembles
- Arizona Pro Arte
- Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra
- Berklee College of Music Video Game Orchestra
- Boston Chamber Orchestra
- Bozeman Symphony
- Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra
- Costa Rica Youth Symphony
- Costa Rican National Symphony
- Des Moines Metro Opera
- Georgia Symphony Orchestra
- Itzhak Perlman Klezmer Tour
- Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Newburgh Symphony Orchestra
- Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie
- Orchestra 914
- Park East Synagogue
- Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra
- Santa Fe Opera
- Sun Symphony orchestra
- Orlando Opera
- Utah Symphony Orchestra
- Washington National Opera
Faculty Appointments
- Dartmouth College
- Idyllwild Arts Academy
- Lake Forest Symphony
- Williams College
How to apply
