Overview

The Conducting programme at Oakland University offers a sophisticated curriculum designed for music educators and professionals seeking to master the art of ensemble leadership. This Master of Music degree provides a rigorous environment where students refine their technical gestures and interpretive understanding of diverse musical scores.

The course structure balances practical podium time with advanced theoretical study to ensure graduates are prepared for high-level professional roles. Students engage in intensive training that covers both choral and instrumental disciplines, allowing for a versatile approach to modern musical direction and performance management.

Why Conducting at Oakland University?

Oakland University provides a distinctive environment for aspiring conductors through its School of Music, Theatre and Dance. The institution is recognised for its commitment to artistic excellence and offers students access to professional-grade facilities and a supportive community of expert faculty members.

A key feature of the programme is the emphasis on personalised mentorship and practical experience. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct interaction with seasoned conductors, ensuring that every participant receives tailored feedback to enhance their unique leadership style and technical proficiency.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22428 per year
National fee: USD 22428 per year
Local fee: USD 19972 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a deep foundation in musicology alongside specialised conducting techniques. Modules may include:

Core Requirements

Graduate Study in Music
Seminar in Medieval and Renaissance Music
Seminar in Baroque and Classical Music
Seminar in Music from 1800 to Present
Analytical Techniques in Tonal Music
Analysis of post-1900 Music
Theories of Rhythm and Meter

Major Requirements

Choral Interpretation and Conducting Techniques
Instrumental Interpretation and Conducting Techniques
Conducting Apprenticeship
Master’s Recital

Related Studies and Electives

Orchestration
Literature
Analysis
Voice
Diction
Score Study

Careers with Conducting

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue leadership roles within the global music industry. The advanced training provided prepares individuals for successful careers as directors of professional, community, or collegiate ensembles, as well as specialised roles in choral and orchestral management.

Many alumni find opportunities within educational institutions, leading prestigious school music programmes or serving as faculty members. The comprehensive nature of the degree also supports careers in artistic administration, music consultancy, and professional performance across various international sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Graduate Study in Music

Seminar in Medieval and Renaissance Music

Analytical Techniques in Tonal Music

Advanced Choral Interpretation and Conducting Techniques

Advanced Instrumental Interpretation and Conducting Techniques

Conducting Apprenticeship

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rochester Hills, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology Liberal Arts View 414 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree in music from a regionally accredited institution or proof of a U.S. equivalent degree for foreign educated applicants.

Two years of music theory, one year of music history and performance ability on instrument or voice; OR background equivalent to these requirements

Applicants must submit a written statement of professional goals.

Applicants must schedule and perform a successful audition that shows an appropriate level of prior experience and potential for success in the program. For choral conducting, contact Professor Michael Mitchell. For instrumental conducting, contact Professor Gregory Cunningham

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Out-of-State

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19972 USD / year

≈ 19972 USD / year

Living costs

Rochester Hills

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Conducting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rochester Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners