The Department of Music offers a Master of Arts degree in
conducting designed to prepare students to conduct major
symphonic and choral repertoire during their professional
careers. In addition to developing practical technical skills,
students study issues of performance practice and musical
analysis, and gain experience in the preparation of performance
materials.
Master of Arts candidates must be in residence for at least one
academic year (typically two years), pass a reading exam in one
foreign language (typically German, French, Italian, or Latin),
and present a public concert and supporting written materials in
lieu of a thesis.
Typical time to complete the Master of Arts degree is two years.
Core course work requirements are the three proseminars in music
plus at least three seminars and independent study (conducting
lessons).
Residency
UC Davis CA residency requirements for graduate students are
HERE. First
year graduate students who are US citizens but not CA residents
must complete the CA residency process before
the end of their first quarter.
Contact Professor Christian
Baldini for more information regarding the master’s
degree in conducting. For questions regarding the
particulars of the program or application process, contact
Graduate Program Coordinator Marian
Bilheimer.
Graduate Coursework, Conducting
(48 units)
16 units of at least four seminars including the below,
18 units of conducting lessons (3 units each quarter for six
quarters), and the balance of 14 units taking independent study
(MUS 299 units over three quarters) in preparation for one public
performance examination and a written project.
MUS 210A. Proseminar in Music (Theory and Analysis) (4)
MUS 210B. Proseminar in Music (Musicology and Criticism) (4)
MUS 210C. Proseminar in Music (Ethnomusicology) (4)
Admission Requirements
Consideration for program admission requires:
A bachelor’s degree comparable to a degree from the
University of California in both distribution of academic subject
matter and scholarly achievement
A CV (including a list of works conducted, rehearsed, and
studied)
Links to conducting videos (of rehearsal or concert) with 2
or 3 works showing different styles
A minimum GPA of 3.0
An Office of Graduate Studies online
application with fee by the stated admission deadline.
The most qualified applicants will be selected to take part
in a live audition (and interview) conducting the UC Davis
Symphony Orchestra.
For eligibility requirements to apply for fellowships and
financial aid, see here.
This year’s audition date is Thursday, February 9, 2023. The
assigned works for the audition with the orchestra are Gustav
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, and Stravinsky’s Petrushka (1947).