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Conducting

Graduate Wind Conducting

The graduate wind conducting program at the University of South Carolina provides a varied, intense, and tailor-made course of study to help each student achieve their unique musical goals. As part of an active, energetic, and highly organized team, graduate students receive instruction in gesture, rehearsal technique, literature, and history, and develop administrative and instructional skills through work with a wide variety of ensembles. The faculty work collaboratively to offer maximum opportunities for each student’s development. Graduate students encounter a genuinely collegial environment within their cohort and across disciplines in the School of Music.

Interested students should contact Dr. Cannon to arrange a phone or video meeting to discuss the program. Campus visits are welcome anytime and can be arranged with Dr. Cannon.

Distinctive Features of the Program

  • Generous podium time with a variety of ensembles
  • Graduate conducting seminar with conducting lab
  • Intense athletic band experience with opportunities for arranging and drill writing
  •  Individual attention in a small studio
  • Opportunities for collaboration with choral and orchestral ensembles

Prerequisites

  • Professional band teaching experience
  • Strong desire for expanding musicianship, rehearsal technique, and repertoire knowledge
  • Desire to work with athletic bands
  • A general knowledge of diverse wind ensemble repertoire

Interested students should have some familiarity with most of the repertoire listed here.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for the Master of Music in conducting can be found here.

Degree requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in conducting can be found here.

Application and Audition Process

For application requirements, click here.

Send audition videos to Traci Hair, graduate coordinator.

Note: the prescreening video submission deadline of December 1. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and selected candidates will be contacted in late December or early January to arrange an on-campus audition. Specific repertoire will be assigned at that time. On-campus auditions are held in mid-late February each year, and last one day. A typical audition day includes an interview with the band faculty, facilities tour, wind literature diagnostic exam, lunch with current graduate students, rehearsal/audition with the USC Wind Ensemble, and final wrap-up/individual conducting coaching.

Financial Aid

Graduate conducting students who serve as graduate teaching assistants receive a full tuition waiver covering up to 9 hours each semester, and pay in-state tuition for any additional hours. Graduate assistants are also eligible for health insurance provided by USC and receive a stipend.

Contact Dr. Cannon for more details.

USC Band Faculty

 


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