Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting (Orchestral)
This program is designed for students who intend to pursue careers as conductors of school or professional orchestral ensembles. Graduates of this program are qualified to pursue doctoral work in conducting.
Entrance Requirements
- Prior to applying to the College of Music and the University of Tennessee, please contact James Fellenbaum, Director of Orchestras, at jfellenbaum@utk.edu to determine:
- if there is an opening in the Orchestral Conducting Program for the following academic year
- the specifications for the required Pre-Screen video submission
- the availability of an assistantship
- the date for the live audition and interview (upon passing the Pre-Screen)
- Pre-Screen deadline is December 1.
- Upon passing the Pre-screen round, a live audition and interview are required for admission.
- Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited institution with course work equivalent to that in bachelor’s degrees conferred by the University of Tennessee, including conducting study. Some practical experience as a conductor is also required.
- Diagnostic examinations in music theory and musicology must be taken by all entering students before registering for courses. If deficiencies are detected, specific courses may be recommended or required.
Course Outline
| Description | Course Name | Hours |
| Critical Studies in Research Methods and Music Scholarship | MUSC 510 | 3 |
| Music Theory Elective | MUTH 500-level | 3 |
| Analytical Techniques | MUTH 520 | 3 |
| Musicology and Literature 6 chosen from: Band History and Literature I II History of Symphonic Literature Musicology Electives | MUIN 580, MUIN 581 MUCO 430 MUCO 500-level | 6 |
| Advanced Instrumental Conducting | MUIN 590 | 8 |
| Recitative for Instrumental Conductors** | MUIN 583 | 1 |
| Practicum in Instrumental Conducting*** | MUIN 584 | 2 |
| Instrumental Conducting Performance | MUIN 595 | 1 |
| Ensemble | MUEN 500-level | 4 |
| *Music Electives | 3 | |
| Total | 33 |
*Ensemble hours may not be counted as Music Electives.
**Orchestral Track students only
***Wind Conducting Track students are required to take 2 semesters of Mus Inst 584
Final Requirements
- Orchestral Conducting Performance.
- Comprehensive written and oral examinations.
Remember, consult the University Graduate School’s website for deadline dates and other important information.