Overview

Designed for conductors who have already reached a high level of proficiency and artistry in their fields and who may wish to teach at the university level. This Conducting program offered by University of Memphis offers you an opportunity to bring creative and performance achievement to a high level while enriching individual backgrounds with academic studies, including specialized training in music history, theory, and other areas.

Graduate student composers work closely with faculty in composition and music theory and are expected to compose major works for public performance and fulfill course requirements.

Outcomes:

Conducting students will acquire mastery in conducting ensembles of all sizes to effectively share an artistic vision

Conducting students will create a cohesive, well-researched and creative performance for your ensembles.

Conducting students will develop effective rehearsal techniques, including the ability to diagnose and correct problems in any ensemble, including pitch, rhythm, balance, intonation, diction, and style.

Conducting students will gain a strong command of your fellow musicians through a combination of gestural vocabulary, strong baton technique, and effective verbal skills

Conducting students will demonstrate the technical mastery and musical expertise requisite to having a significant professional career in their chosen performance area.

Conducting students will demonstrate historical and theoretical knowledge supportive of the development of individualized interpretations within a full range of musical styles.

Conducting students will display a thorough understanding of the history of their conducting medium and comprehensive knowledge of the repertoire and literature specific to the area of specialization.

Programme Structure

Curriculum

Our programs combine the rigorous study of conducting techniques and literature with related work in

performance,

music theory, and

musicology in a vibrant and intimate setting, all within a major research university.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Memphis, United States

Disciplines

Music Performance View 67 other PhDs in Music Performance in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

A Baccalaureate or Master’s Degree: The applicant must provide an unofficial transcript showing that a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent was awarded by an accredited college or university or is expected to be awarded within one term. If accepted to the University of Memphis, the student must provide an official transcript by the end of their first semester. In addition, transcripts from any other college or university attended may be requested.

GPA: The applicant must have earned an acceptable grade point average, typically a minimum of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, but departments may make exceptions for students whose overall GPA does not adequately reflect their ability to succeed in their chosen field.

Tuition Fees

Living costs

Memphis

United States

955 - 1582 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Conducting.

Available Scholarships

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