Conducting, DMA
Ready to take your passion for conducting to the next level? This program offers in-depth career preparation, diverse podium experiences and rich theory and history courses. Learn from distinguished faculty as you develop mastery in the art of interpretation and performance.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Conducting, DMA degree description
In the Doctor of Musical Arts program in music with a concentration in conducting, you have the opportunity to improve your art, craft and scholarship while you become well versed in multiple areas of conducting.
You take several common courses regardless of emphasis and become acquainted with the repertory and conducting issues for each medium. Coursework emphasizes a thorough knowledge of repertory, historical and analytical issues; an understanding of efficient, effective rehearsal technique; and clear, expressive conducting technique. You receive considerable individual attention and have regular opportunities to rehearse and to conduct a variety of ensembles.
This program has three tracks:
Choral conducting --- You expand your expertise in global, intercultural approaches to communal vocal musicking and work to integrate this into your pedagogy and rehearsal process. Score study integrates musical, textual and socio-critical analysis, enabling you to gain insights into the unique interpretive demands of each work. Gestural study regards integrated approaches of Western ideals of conducting with Laban movement principles, diverse dance forms and body mapping. You receive a plethora of podium time, both as primary conductor of ASU choral ensembles and as assistant conductor for faculty-led ensembles.
Orchestra and opera conducting --- You work closely with the director of orchestras and the artistic director of the music theatre and opera program, and gain a breadth of experience in both orchestral and opera conducting. Time in front of an ensemble is essential; therefore, you have significant podium time and twice-weekly studio chamber orchestra classes. You study conducting technique, rehearsal technique, leadership, interpretation, score study, audience development and outreach, and career development.
Wind band conducting --- You study privately with the director of bands and work closely with other members of the conducting faculty to develop your conducting and rehearsal skills. You are trained in the artistic, technical, physical and leadership skills required of successful conductors at the professional and post-secondary levels. Intensive coursework in conducting, score study, analysis, musicology and theory is combined with regular opportunities to conduct university ensembles. If interested, you also have opportunities to enhance your work with athletic bands and, if desired, may elect individual study with the director of athletic bands. Furthermore, you may select integrated conducting as your cognate, allowing for in-depth work in a second conducting area.
The doctoral program lecture recital is a performance with the top pool of wind and percussion players in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre and includes a repertoire chosen from the complete body of wind band and chamber wind literature.
Why study conducting at ASU?
You learn from internationally recognized artists, educators and scholars who bring genuine expertise to your studies. You collaborate across disciplines with musicians, media artists and more, while you tap into a network of alumni, internships, residencies and partnerships that reach across the arts. You can also tailor your focus toward performance, teaching, administration or interdisciplinary practice, shaping a path that fits your goals.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
90 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and a research paper
Conducting Core (18 credit hours) Specialty Courses (9 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours) Cognate (integrated conducting, instrumental performance or music learning and teaching) (9 credit hours) Music History and Music Theory (21 credit hours) Recitals and Research (24 credit hours) Other Requirement Additional Curriculum Information Students can find additional information on requirements for this degree on the curriculum checksheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.
Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students before course enrollment in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement. Once admitted to the program, a student is required to be enrolled continuously, excluding summer sessions, until all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled. In general, the student should expect to spend at least the equivalent of three academic years beyond the bachelor's degree in the program. A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Synthesize performance practices in the context of diverse musical settings and genres.
- Evaluate specific conducting repertoire and pedagogy to support a unique and professional musical style.
- Implement an independent research project that makes a unique contribution to the discipline of music performance.
Synthesize performance practices in the context of diverse musical settings and genres.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students seeking admission typically hold a Master of Music. Applicants with other degrees are considered if they have received graduate training similar to that normally expected in a MM program. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances. Students should see the program website for application deadlines. An applicant may be invited for a live audition after complete application materials have been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and English proficiency requirements, and prescreening materials have been reviewed. Applicants can find information on the audition on the School of Music, Dance and Theatre auditions page.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this conducting degree prepares you for
School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.
Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching and researching; in arts advocacy; and in music therapy are in high demand across many sectors. They are welcomed in many industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the focused discipline needed for success as a musician, are all highly valued by a wide variety of companies and professions.
Career examples include:
- artistic director
- arts administrator
- community arts advocate
- performing musician
- public or community school teacher
- university professor
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
