1. What are the requirements for getting into conducting schools?

Choral Conducting (Please note: Auditions will only take place during the February audition weekend on Thursday, January 31st and Friday, February 1st)

Master of Music (M.M.)

Doctor of Music (D.M.)

Pre-screening - submitted via Acceptd:

1) Resumé/Curriculum-Vita, which should include:

Musical training/education

Jobs (include non-musical positions if they have been significant)

2) Repertoire List, clearly indicating:

Works conducted in performance (including date and group)

Works prepared (when and for whom)

Works assisted (when and for whom)

Works studied

3) Video

Rehearsal: Approx. 10’, camera positioned from the choir’s perspective

Performance: 15' maximum, of at least two contrasting works

4) Short Essay/Statement of Purpose

Describe your entry into the field of choral conducting, significant milestone or motivation, and your aspirations in the field. No longer than one page preferred.

5) Prospective DM Students only: A writing sample, either a course paper or program notes, which demonstrates fluency and aptitude in written English.

*Please Note: Applicants who are required to submit pre-screening will submit their letters of recommendation to Acceptd.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Audition/Interview Dates For Fall 2019 Matriculation

Thursday, January 31st, and Friday, February 1st

All auditions are held on the Bloomington campus. We do not admit students based on video or audio recordings. Audition invitations will be sent before January 1, 2019, based on pre-screening applications.

THE AUDITION WILL CONSIST OF FOUR PARTS

1) A Written Diagnostic Exam

This exam gives us an idea about your musical and analytical skills and your knowledge of the repertoire. It will include a short dictation of a four-part Bach chorale and identification of the composer/era of a variety of choral scores. (NOTE: This examination is not in lieu of the graduate entrance examinations.)

2) A Conducting Technique Demonstration

In this individual session with the choral faculty you’ll be asked to conduct "Let Nimrod, the mighty hunter" from Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb (Rehearsal 2 to Rehearsal 9).

PLUS:

MM applicants: Handel: "Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts" from Messiah

DM applicants: Haydn: "Gleich öffnet sich die Erde Schoss" from Die Schöpfung (The Creation) The soloist will sing in German.

A soloist & a pianist will be provided.

3) A Conducting Audition With Chorus

Your audition with an SATB chorus will last 10-12 minutes. Please choose one of the pieces from the repertoire list below and be prepared to rehearse and conduct your selection in the original language. We’ll be looking for advanced musicianship, effective conducting technique, knowledge of the voice, and solid rehearsal techniques. Vocal scores will be provided for the chorus; please bring your own full score. The chorus will be seated SATB from left to right.