The EKU School of
Music offers a Master of Music in choral conducting. This degree
prepares students to excel in the areas of conducting, rehearsal
techniques, score study, interpretation, repertoire, research, and
pedagogy. Graduate conductors sing in and direct university ensembles,
and take courses that prepare them to teach choral music in public and
private schools, further their education at the doctoral level, work in
the field of church music, or a combination of several areas. A two-year, full-time residency is expected for this degree program.
The
graduate choral conducting program is designed to be small and highly
selective. Limited graduate assistantships are available to highly
qualified applicants. The application is a three-step process:
I. Apply to the Graduate School at Eastern Kentucky University as soon as possible:
CLICK HERE for a complete list of required application materials. Please
note that decisions regarding admission cannot be made until the
Graduate School receives a COMPLETE application package.
II. Submit the following pre-audition materials (listed below) directly to the Director of Choral Activities.
DEADLINE: February 1
Pre-audition materials may be sent via email (click here), or may be mailed to:
Richard Waters, Director of Choral Activities
EKU School of Music
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
Pre-Audition Materials:
1. Resumé or curriculum vitae
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation
3. Audio or video recording (5 minutes) that demonstrates the applicant’s
ability level on their major instrument (voice, piano, etc.).
4. Video (15-20 minutes) that shows the applicant conducting a choir:
- If possible, the video should include excerpts from both a rehearsal and performance.
- At least two contrasting pieces are recommended.
- Front view of the conductor is preferred.
-
Include a sheet with a list of the repertoire being
rehearsed/performed, as well as information about the ensemble(s) in the
video (choir that the applicant regularly conducts, ad hoc group put
together for the video, etc.).
- Acceptable formats include Dropbox files, YouTube/Vimeo links, or DVD. (DVD's will not be returned.)
III. On-campus audition
Following
a review of the preliminary screening videos, selected applicants will
be invited to campus (normally in March) for a live audition with a
university ensemble. This audition will consist of:
1. Run-through of a piece that is familiar to the ensemble (selected by the conducting faculty).
2.
Rehearsal (10-15 minutes) of a piece that is not familiar to the
ensemble (selected by the applicant in consultation with the conducting
faculty).
3. Interview with the Director of Choral
Activities to discuss your teaching philosophy, rehearsal techniques,
career goals, etc.