Music Department - St. Cloud State University

Graduate Program in Instrumental Conducting

The Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting program is designed to improve the musical knowledge and conducting/teaching skills of conductors by:

• Engaging them in the study of score preparation, expressive conducting technique, rehearsal techniques, programming, and video-tape analysis;
• Strengthening their expertise in wind band and/or orchestral literature, history of music, analytical techniques, and pedagogy;
• Providing them the opportunity to pursue an area of interest in research and/or performance.

Full-time graduate students are provided a significant amount of podium time with instrumental ensembles, including

• Wind Ensemble
• University Orchestra
• Campus Band
• Husky Sports Band

Graduate assistantships are available to help offset the cost of tuition. Successful candidates will receive weekly, private conducting lessons with Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Rikard K. Hansen. Graduate student conductors may direct their own performing group or an on-campus ensemble in a supervised performance as the culminating creative project for the degree.

Graduate level instrumental conducting and musicology courses are taught by Professor Rikard K. Hansen and Graduate Music Program Director, Dr. Stephen Fuller. Courses are offered in conjunction with the Music Department's masters programs in instrumental conducting and music education.

Graduate Student Information Form (pdf 12k)

Graduate Student Information Form (msWord 32k)