Music, M.M.: Conducting Option

The Music Department at Cal State University Northridge offers the opportunity to study the art of conducting both choral and instrumental on the graduate level. Conducting students in Choral, Orchestra and Wind Conducting take a set of core classes and can also choose from a wide variety of electives to enrich their educational experiences. Candidates in conducting will conduct public performances as part of their culminating experience and present an abstract of analysis of the works performed. 

A wide variety of conducting experiences are made available to graduate students in conducting. Students may conduct works in ensemble performances, in concerto competition performances, chamber music groups, and opera performances. If a student has interest in multiple areas of conducting, the professor of the major area will help the student to gain the desired experience.

Entrance Requirements

1. Students who audition for the Master's program in conducting should have an undergraduate degree in music.
2. Apply via CalStateApply. After you submit your initial application, you will receive a music department audition application. On that application, you will be asked to submit required materials. In most cases, this will include video footage from rehearsals and performance, a resume and possibly repertoire lists. 
3. Once the faculty member has had a chance to review your application materials, they might choose to invite you for a campus interview and conducting audition depending on the availability of openings in their program.
4. Choral conducting applicants should have performance/teaching experience in multiple languages (Italian, German, French)
5. For question, please free free to contact one of the individuals below:

Choral Conducting:

• Dr. Katherine Ramos Baker

Instrumental Conducting:

• Dr. John Roscigno—orchestral
• Dr. Lawrence Stoffel — band/wind ensemble