Coordinator:
Joseph L. Shively
308 Varner Hall
(248) 370-2287
shively@oakland.edu
Program description
The Master of Music in conducting is a 32-credit program designed to meet the needs of music teachers and other music professionals who are interested in developing high-level skills and understanding in instrumental and/or choral conducting.
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:
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- Additional department application requirements
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- Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree in music from a regionally accredited institution or proof of a U.S. equivalent degree for foreign educated applicants.
- Two years of music theory, one year of music history and performance ability on instrument or voice; OR background equivalent to these requirements
- Applicants must submit a written statement of professional goals.
- Applicants must schedule and perform a successful audition that shows an appropriate level of prior experience and potential for success in the program.
For choral conducting, contact Professor Michael Mitchell (mmitchel@oakland.edu).
For instrumental conducting, contact Professor Gregory Cunningham (cunningh@oakland.edu).
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Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to the Master of Music in conducting program, the department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, audition, and any other admission requirement established by the academic program.
Music history and theory placement
During the first year of graduate study, students participate in both music history and theory assessments to determine placement in graduate-level history and theory courses.
Assessment takes place during the week prior to the first semester of graduate study (Fall, Winter and Summer). Students are encouraged to review the preparation materials posted on the department web site prior to taking the assessments. Students may also contact the history and theory faculty for guidance about preparation materials and expectations.
Students whose work on the assessments indicates that they need further preparation should consult with the appropriate faculty and, at the beginning of the following semester, retake the portions of the assessments that were not satisfactory. Following the retake, students who have still not successfully completed the assessment will be required to complete remedial work prescribed by the department. Students whose work is satisfactory may then enroll in graduate history and theory courses for which they had not yet qualified. Any courses taken as part of the remedial work are not graduate courses and do not count toward the graduate degree. Students who still do not qualify after the remediation may be recommended for dismissal from the program.
Regardless of the results of these assessments, students may enroll in MUS 500 or any other music or music education graduate course during their first semesters. Enrollment in graduate-level music history and theory only is monitored by these assessments. For information about these assessments, contact Professor Joseph Shively, coordinator of the master’s program at shively@oakland.edu.
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