Academic Programs - Masters Degrees

MASTER OF MUSIC - Conducting

The Music Department at Cal State University Northridge offers the opportunity to study the art of conducting both choral and instrumental on the graduate level. Students in conducting continue studies in Music History and Music Theory. Students in choral conducting take classes in Choral Literature, Conducting lessons, and Seminars in Conducting and perform in and conduct major ensembles. In Instrumental Conducting, students take classes in Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Private Conducting Lessons, and play in and conduct major ensembles. Conducting students in both Choral and Instrumental Conducting can choose from a wide variety of electives to enrich their educational experiences. Candidates in conducting will conduct public performances as part of their culminating experience and present an abstract of analysis of the works performed. MM requirements: Three selections from contrasting periods (choose three from the four major historical time periods - Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century/Contemporary). Be prepared to perform one entire sonata or concerto as one of your three selections. Provide an accompanist for your audition. Bring to your audition a copy of your senior recital program or another comparable solo recital performance. Bring a sample of your scholarly writing (such as a music history or theory research paper) to your audition.

A wide variety of conducting experiences are made available to graduate students in conducting. Students may conduct works in ensemble performances, in concerto competition performances, chamber music groups, and opera performances.

Entrance Requirements

1. Students who audition for the Master's program in conducting should have an undergraduate degree in music.
2. Schedule an audition with the area advisor. The candidate will conduct a rehearsal.
3. The audition may also include the demonstration of keyboard ability as well as sight reading skills. MM requirements: Three selections from contrasting periods (choose three from the four major historical time periods - Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century/Contemporary). Be prepared to perform one entire sonata or concerto as one of your three selections. Provide an accompanist for your audition. Bring to your audition a copy of your senior recital program or another comparable solo recital performance. Bring a sample of your scholarly writing (such as a music history or theory research paper) to your audition.
4. Candidates in Choral Conducting may have to demonstrate a reading ability in French, German, and Italian.

Advisor Contacts:

Choral Conducting:

• Professor Paul Smith
  818-677-3171
  Cypress Hall 211
  paansm@aol.com

Instrumental Conducting:

• Dr. John Roscigno—orchestral
  818-677-6834
  Cypress Hall 212
  john.roscigno@csun.edu
• Dr. Lawrence Stoffel — band/wind ensemble
  818-677-3160
  Cypress Hall 210
  stoffel@csun.edu