orchestra

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework must be completed in 4 semesters (2 years)

Where will I take classes?

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall – February 1

Master of Music, Concentration in Choral Conducting, M.Mu.

Graduate Director
Dr. Lara Saville Dahl
[email protected]
404-413-5965

Choral Conducting at the Georgia State School of Music offers exceptional training to talented musicians wishing to study the choral art at an advanced level.  Intensive study with Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Deanna Joseph, and regular performance experience is the foundation for developing highly qualified, professional conductors.  Students in the program regularly conduct the Master Singers, an auditioned chamber choir of 20 to 30 voices in rehearsal and performance, and assist with the University Singers (the School of Music’s top choral ensemble) and Choral Union (open to all).  Full scholarships and graduate assistantships, including the Robert Shaw Choral Award, are available.

The mission of the Georgia State School of Music is to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research in accordance with the urban and global initiatives of the university.

The graduate programs in the School of Music offer unparalleled opportunities in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. The school enrolls about 90 students in Master of Music degree programs, Artist Certificate programs, and Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in music education.

Students have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed faculty of 40 full-time and 24 part-time faculty in concentrations such as performance, pedagogy, music education, conducting, composition and jazz studies.

Program Highlights
  • Graduate Assistantships Available (Full Tuition plus Stipend)
  • Singing and conducting opportunities within an internationally recognized choral program (University Singers won first prize in the Marktoberdorf International Choral Competition in 2016; the choir also has two professional recordings out on the Gothic Records label; Evening Hymn and Heavenly Display)
  • A record of 10+ years with 100% job placement
  • Numerous performances at major conferences such as ACDA, NCCO, and GMEA
  • Regular podium time and recitals with School of Music choral ensembles
  • Instruction in both choral and orchestral conducting built into the curriculum
  • Opportunities for professional work (singing, conducting, and playing) throughout Atlanta
  • Private lessons in voice, piano, and/or organ, depending on individual’s area of strength(s)

Program Details

Required University Application Materials (https://gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/):

  • Transcript(s): Upload unofficial copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The institution logo and your name must be present on the copies. Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance into the program.
  • Official TOEFL/IELT Scores (international applicants only): Institutional code 5251 should be used for reporting TOEFL scores.
  • Personal Statement: Statement can be up to 500 words in length (approximately 2-pages, double spaced, using 12-point font). Respond to the following prompt: Please discuss your academic and musical goals and your reasons for applying to GSU’s graduate music program.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Upload within the online Slate application.
  • Writing Sample: Provide a scholarly/research paper on a subject in the field of music of a level of intellectual and critical engagement appropriate to graduate-level work.
  • Letters of recommendation: 2 letters of recommendation are required. Applicants must enter the names and contact information of the 2 recommenders within the application. An electronic recommendation request will be sent to recommenders, and recommendation letters must be submitted via this request. It is strongly advised that letters of recommendation are completed before the application deadline and are written within the last year. Recommendations submitted after this date are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
  • GPA: Students considered for admission into the graduate program generally have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

School of Music Application Materials: Complete the “Start an Application” fields to view your specific application and audition requirements for the School of Music

  • Prescreening Audition: Applicants are required to submit a prescreening video audition containing at least 20 minutes of rehearsal and/or performance footage.  Upload the video(s) within the Acceptd application.
  • Personal Statement: Statement can be up to 500 words in length (approximately 2-pages, double spaced, using 12-point font). Respond to the following prompt: Please discuss your academic and musical goals and your reasons for applying to GSU’s graduate music program. Upload within the Acceptd application.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Upload within the Acceptd application.
  • International applicants: Virtual auditions may be arranged for applicants who cannot travel to the US.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or concentration in music, or the equivalent. Graduate Assistantships will be determined by both academic success and musical ability.

For detailed requirements, see the course catalog.

There is an applied music fee of $350 per semester for a one-hour (8000 level) lesson and $200 per semester for a half-hour (6000 level) lesson. Additional lab fees for certain courses may apply.

The Georgia State School of Music provides unparalleled opportunities to study and work among an inspiring community of musicians in one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. Students receive exceptional training, are provided with meaningful opportunities and begin serious careers no matter what type of music drives their passion. The goals and outcomes from a graduate degree include:

  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to music performance, music history, music theory and teaching styles.
  • Honoring the continuing traditions of music making and pedagogy while exploring new forms and contemporary issues within the various musical fields.
  • Developing pedagogical skills and strategies through teaching assistantships for undergraduate-level courses.
  • Preparing students for a professional career in music through rigorous performance preparation, exposure to important repertoire and attention to practical business aspects of various musical careers.

Description

Careers

The graduate programs at the School of Music prepare students for competitive careers in performance, conducting, composition and music education.

Highlights include one-on-one lessons and mentorship with an internationally acclaimed faculty, 100% job placement in the field of music education, successful placement in prestigious doctoral programs, the opportunity to network with high-profile artists, scholars and businesses, practical experience from conferences to international music festival participation, artist residencies, as well as assistantships to develop practical skills and garner pedagogical experience.

The graduate program leads students to career paths such as solo performance artists, composers, placement in prestigious professional classical, jazz and operatic ensembles, private, K-12, college music educators, scholars, and entrepreneurs, among others. Here are some of our MM Choral Conducting Graduate Job Placements.

Contacts

Graduate Director
Dr. Lara Saville Dahl
[email protected]

Administrative Specialist, Graduate
[email protected]

School of Music
75 Poplar St, 5th floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.