Apply
The Hartt School

Music Conducting

At a Glance

Hartt’s Music Conducting program gives you the unique opportunity to gain conducting experience in a variety of genres including vocal, opera, music theatre, and all aspects of instrumental conducting.

Overview
Hartt's Music Conducting program stands out for its dynamic and collaborative approach, uniting choral and instrumental conducting students with esteemed faculty. In an era where high excellence and versatility are paramount, our program offers a distinctive opportunity to develop your conducting skills across a broad spectrum of genres. From vocal ensembles to opera, music theatre, and all facets of choral and instrumental conducting, Hartt's Music Conducting programs equip students with comprehensive, hands-on experience. Embrace a journey where collaboration meets innovation and prepare to excel in the ever-evolving world of music.

About the Major

At Hartt, highly qualified students have the opportunity to pursue specialized study in conducting. Our choral and instrumental programs are designed for those who are interested in and demonstrate the potential to succeed in a professional conducting career from university employment to professional conducting appointments.

Our music Conducting program offers more than just extensive podium time and rigorous training in your chosen discipline—whether it’s orchestra, wind band, or choir. Each student also gains invaluable experience by conducting and performing across various disciplines, with the added benefit of studying under faculty from those areas.

Our program is truly unique, designed to meet the evolving needs of young conductors by providing a diverse range of conducting experiences. Prepare to thrive in a versatile and collaborative environment where you can refine your skills and thrive in the multifaceted world of music.

CHORAL CONDUCTING

Studying choral conducting at Hartt offers you rigorous training that includes private conducting lessons, languages and diction, voice study, musicianship, score reading and preparation, performance practice, and an array of academic studies to prepare choral directors for conducting and teaching careers in the community, school, and university settings. Students work closely with Hartt choral ensembles and have required choral performances as part of the curriculum. Choral conducting students also study conducting with faculty of the instrumental conducting program and have podium time rehearsing and conducting major works for choir and orchestra.

INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING

Instrumental Conducting at The Hartt School is a unique program that strives to prepare you for the many varied and diverse opportunities that await the young conductor. In addition to weekly private lessons, score analysis and seminar, each conducting student will have the opportunity to pursue further studies with our vocal and choral faculty.

The conducting program normally consists of two master students and two doctoral students, each of whom has the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Contemporary Ensemble, and (depending on the candidate’s interest) Music Theatre and Opera.

Degrees Offered

Please refer to our Course Catalogue for more information on the below offerings:
  • Master of Music in Choral Conducting
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting
  • Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting
  • Graduate Professional Diploma in Orchestral Conducting
  • Artist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting 

Kalena Bovell

MM'14, GPD'15,

Kalena Bovell was recently appointed Assistant Conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for the 2019-2020 season.  She will conduct a large portion of Pops and Education Concerts. Learn more about Kalena.

Flying 3,000 miles across the country to study conducting with Professor Cumming was the best decision I ever made because in him I found a mentor, a colleague and ultimately a friend. The education, support system and guidance that I received from my colleagues was incredible and has definitely attributed to the successes I have continued to see since graduating. No pun intended but The Hartt School will forever hold a special place in my heart.