Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting
The Master’s in Instrumental Conducting program is designed for students interested in expanding their knowledge, skill, and effectiveness in conducting instrumental ensembles. This traditional degree program is designed with the full-time student in mind, and blends the practical experience of coached conducting experiences in front of our instrumental ensembles (Butler University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, etc.) with weekly individual lessons in score study, gesture, rehearsal techniques, and repertoire knowledge. While it is not required, students may choose to focus on Orchestral or Wind conducting. The program will be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the individual student, whether their goals are the pursuit of conducting professional or university ensembles, or improving their performance as a band or orchestra director at the secondary level.
Important Dates
January 1: Application deadline for fall entry.
March 1: Interview and audition deadline for fall entry.
Steps for Applying
Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission. NOTE: To submit a graduate application, you need to have previously completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be seeking an advanced degree. Your Application for Graduate Admission should include:
- Butler Application
- A Professional Statement
- Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where candidates:
- Earned a degree
- Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
- Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
- Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
- Resumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- International applicants must provide proof of a minimum level of proficiency in the English language as well as submit additional financial documentation. See the International Student Application process.
Transcripts
Copies of official transcripts may be uploaded in the online application for application review only. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required at that time to submit official final transcripts issued directly from the institution(s) for verification prior to enrollment. More information is available in the application for admission.
Step 2: Complete the JCA Graduate Music Supplement. The supplement will appear on your application status page after submitting your Application for Graduate Admission. The supplement is required in order for your application to be considered complete.
Step 3: Submit Pre-Screening video. A video recording in front view of you conducting at least one recent rehearsal and one recent performance, ideally containing the same repertoire, should be submitted via email to music@butler.edu. The repertoire should include at least two selections of contrasting style and/or period. The subject line of the email should include your full name and the words “Instrumental Conducting Pre-Screen”. It is preferred that video recordings be submitted as a link to an online source such as YouTube, DropBox, GoogleDrive, etc.
Step 4: Complete an interview and conducting audition with conducting faculty. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. If you pass the pre-screening, you will be invited to interview and audition with the instrumental conducting faculty. The audition will consist of a conducting audition, a short demonstration on your primary instrument, and a written exam assessing your musical skills and knowledge. Audition deadline for fall entry is March 1. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an audition, please email music@butler.edu.
Total Credit Hours: 30 credit hours
Anticipated Duration: 2 years
Degree requires a conducting recital and final oral comprehensive exam.
Required courses:
- Advanced Conducting
- Major Instrument lessons
- Ensemble
- Research in Music
- Designated Music History Elective
- Designated Music History or Music Theory Elective
- General Music Electives
- Conducting Recital
- Final Oral Examination
Concert Bands Assistantship
Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference is given to MM in Instrumental Conducting students, but students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.
How to apply: Select the Concert Bands assistantship position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.
Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.
Duties: Serve as assistant to the Director of Bands. Position will require 10 hours of service per week. Schedule, specific duties, and exact number of hours per week are to be determined.
Faculty supervisors: Trae Blanco, Director of Bands
Athletic Bands Assistantship
Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference is given to MM in Instrumental Conducting students, but students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.
How to apply: Select the Athletic Bands assistantship position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.
Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.
Duties: Serve as assistant to Prof. Melissa Johnson, Director of Butler University Athletic Bands. Position will require 10-20 hours of service per week. Schedule, specific duties, and exact number of hours per week are to be determined.
Faculty supervisors:Melissa Johnson, Director of Butler University Athletic Bands
Butler Symphony Orchestra Assistantship
Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Preference is given to MM in Instrumental Conducting students, but students pursuing any degree plan are encouraged to apply.
How to apply: Select the Orchestra assistantship position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.
Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.
Duties: Serve as assistant to Prof. Richard Clark, Director of Butler Symphony Orchestra. Position will require 10-20 hours of service per week. Schedule, specific duties, and exact number of hours per week are to be determined.
Faculty supervisors: Richard Clark, Director of Butler Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Trae Blanco, Director of Bands
Prof. Richard Clark, Professor, Director of Butler Symphony Orchestra
Prof. Melissa Johnson, Director of Athletic Bands
Dr. Brian Weidner, Assistant Professor, Instrumental Music Ed
For application or general questions, contact the School of Music office at music@butler.edu or 317-940-9065
To discuss audition materials, contact the conducting faculty member in your preferred area of study (i.e. orchestra vs. band) see “Faculty” tab above or visit Faculty & Staff webpage.