The University of Texas at Austin has long been considered one of the premiere graduate programs in choral conducting in America. The small program size allows students the opportunity to work closely with faculty in a supportive and personal manner and to gain valuable performing experiences. The outstanding quality of the graduate students ensures a challenging and inspiring environment and a high level of excellence. Degrees offered include the Doctor of Musical Arts and the Master of Music. The graduate cohort often participates in master-classes, guest performances, and clinics all over the State of Texas.
Doctor of Musical Arts
The DMA degree in Choral Conducting is appropriate for highly advanced choral conductors who have experience as a successful teacher and conductor and show the skills necessary to lead a collegiate choral program or become a professional conductor.
Several years of teaching and conducting experience and strong ability as a solo artist is required for successful applicants. Superior musicianship and a solid and expressive conducting technique are also requisite skills, as well as a spirit of learning and a high respect for the hard work in preparation it takes to become a successful musician of the highest caliber.
Master of Music
The MM degree in Choral Conducting is appropriate for those who show excellent potential as choral conductors. These outstanding future conductors often have teaching experience or are seeking further study of their conducting instrument before beginning their teaching/conducting career.
Applying for Graduate Study
To be considered for this program, an on-campus audition must occur prior to your desired enrollment. In addition to the standard application materials required by the University, the following items will be reviewed as the basis for an invitation to audition. If you wish to be considered for the limited number of graduate teaching assistantships, these materials should be received no later than December 1. Send all application materials directly to the Graduate Music Admissions Office.
- One session of ensemble rehearsal lasting no less than fifteen minutes, preferably edited to highlight segments focused on dealing with specific rehearsal problems of intonation, ensemble balance, technique, style or interpretation. Videos of unbroken run-throughs in a rehearsal setting are not considered rehearsal material.
- One unedited performance of a complete work, preferably the same work featured in the rehearsal video above.
- The camera should be positionedfacing the conductor, and the conductor should be clearly visible.
Following receipt of these materials, in addition to the completed application, you will be informed as soon as possible after December 1 of our decision regarding an invitation to audition. The on-campus audition will consist of a 20-minute rehearsal on pre-assigned repertoire and an interview with Dr. Pence in which you should be prepared to discuss your goals as a choral conductor and to demonstrate your singing, sight-singing, piano, and score reading abilities.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Pence at your convenience at:
(512) 471-0851 or pence@austin.utexas.edu
or contact the Graduate Music Admissions Office at:
(512) 471-0799 or mga@mail.music.utexas.edu.