Master

The School of the Arts nurtures students’ faith and talents to develop and excel as world-class music professionals.

Conduct seminars each semester covering topics such as rehearsal techniques, performance practice, literature, career advancement, and more.

Participate in varied and frequent conducting experiences from small to large ensembles.

Enjoy collaborations between choral and instrumental faculty.

As a choral conductor, regularly assist one of the APU choirs.

As in instrumental conductor, frequently conduct the Symphony Orchestra or Wind Ensemble, plus receive training in conducting to click track and conducting opera recitatives.

The Master of Music in Conducting prepares you for professional careers in the specialized and competitive field of conducting.

Study near Los Angeles, one of the music capitals of the world, home to iconic music venues, renowned ensembles, plus famous film and recording studios. Graduates have gone on to prestigious doctoral programs, become assistant and cover conductors of major orchestras, and are often hired to lead school ensembles.

Bachelor’s degree in music from an NASM-accredited university or conservatory by the date of entrance

Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5–2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.

Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study

Résumé or statement of experience including academic experience and employment in the music field and professional organizations. Performance majors, please include a repertory list of major performance areas.

Letter of intent (500-1,000 words) addressed to the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies that answers the following questions:

Please share your interest in studying music as it relates to your emphasis (conducting, performance, composition, music education) at APU.

What are your career goals, and how would this degree assist you?

Share a significant experience with a work of music.

What is your understanding on the relationship between music and religion?

Two letters of recommendation: one from an academic and/or professional source, and one from a personal source (no family members).

Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.

Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.

Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.

Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Admissions Option 2

Introduction to Graduate Research Methods

Seminar in Musicology: The Renaissance or Seminar in Musicology: The Baroque

Seminar in Musicology: The Nineteenth Century or Seminar in Musicology: The Twentieth Century

Seminar B: Instrumental Conducting Literature

Seminar C: Instrumental Performance Practice and Rehearsal Techniques

Seminar D: Professional and Current Issues in Instrumental Conducting

Seminar C: Choral Performance Practice and Rehearsal Techniques

Seminar D: Professional and Current Issues in Choral Conducting

Curriculum

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary - Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Career Opportunities

Performing Arts

Music

Conducting

Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive Christian university located 20+ miles northeast of Los Angeles, California, that offers more than 150-degree options from bachelor to doctorate. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California, APU continues to be recognised annually as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

Conducting, MM

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