CCM offers both the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting. For complete information on these programs, visit the CCM Admissions Website.
Courses The following courses are core to both programs: Survey of Wind Literature Year-long course covering the wind repertoire from the Medieval period through today. Assessment is based on score identification, listening identification, and essay topics. Survey of Wind Chamber Music Year-long course covering smaller ensemble music in the wind chamber repertoire. Major genres from roughly six through eighteen players are discussed and class participation includes both the listening to and performing of music on the student's primary instrument. This course also fulfills requirements for woodwind and brass doctoral majors wishing to complete a cognate in chamber music. Seminar in Wind Conducting Weekly meeting of graduate students to discuss repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and current issues in the wind band profession. Conducting majors participate in this course each quarter in residence, one two-hour session per week. Applied Study in Wind Conducting Weekly private conducting lessons with Professor Winther to view videotapes of rehearsals, discuss score study, and improve technique.
Other Information
Assistantships and Scholarships
All graduate students in wind conducting that are in full-time residence receive a University Graduate Scholarship for full tuition. Wind Conducting majors also receive a 90% assistantship for 18 hours of work per week. Duties for the assistantship are divided among the studio and include:
- Teaching assistant for undergraduate instrumental conducting classes.
- Instructor of first-year Introduction to Conducting class
- Teaching assistant for Survey of Wind Literature/Survey of Wind Chamber Music
- Wind Studies Librarian
- Public relations
- Scheduling
- Program information
- Secondary instrument check-out
- Financial administrator
- Workshops administrator
- Recording ensemble performances
- Rehearsal and performance set-up and strike
Conducting Assignments
Wind Conducting majors are assigned repertoire to rehearse and perform with one of the four ensembles. Each student conducts on at least two concerts per quarter, so the student is always conducting a piece with one of the ensembles.
Audition Information
Those interested in applying must do so through the CCM Admissions Department. Applicants must submit a videotape of rehearsal and performance along with the required admission forms. More specific details are given in the CCM Bulletin. Those invited to audition will take a written exam consisting of score identification, music terms, and repertoire. Applicants will also have a live audition with the Wind Symphony of twenty minutes in length. The applicant will choose one piece in consultation with Professor Winther to conduct straight through. The remainder of the audition for all applicants will consist of rehearsing a piece chosen by Professor Winther so interaction with the ensemble in a rehearsal atmosphere can be observed. This repertoire will be announced at a later date.
This page last updated 02/14/2008. Please send comments to Keith N. Phillips