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 pro-seminars in music plus at least three seminars and independent study (conducting lessons).
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)
A CV (including a list of works conducted, rehearsed, and studied)
A list of 30 works for orchestra which the applicant considers to be the most significant from a historical and/or musical standpoint
A 10–15 minute DVD (in English) of rehearsal or concert with 2-3 works showing different styles (YouTube links are acceptable in lieu of a physical DVD)
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 & Chorus.
This year’s audition date is Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The assigned works for the audition with the orchestra are Ginastera’s Dances from Estancia (op. 8a), and the first movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.
