Graduate Orchestral Conducting Courses
CND521R Graduate Conducting I (4 credits)
This course introduces students to the fundamental techniques and artistry of orchestral conducting. Through practical podium sessions, score study, rehearsal techniques, and detailed analysis of standard repertoire, students develop essential skills for leading ensembles and interpreting music with clarity and artistic expression. Students are expected to spend 8–12 hours per week on score analysis, conducting practice, and rehearsal planning.
CND621R Graduate Conducting II (4 credits)
This advanced applied course builds on the foundations of Graduate Conducting I. Through individual lessons and supervised podium sessions, students refine baton technique, deepen score analysis, and strengthen rehearsal leadership. Emphasis is placed on interpretive depth, professional communication, and rehearsal efficiency. Students gain podium experience with live ensembles and receive feedback through video review and faculty coaching.
CND520R Conductor’s Orchestra I (2 credits)
This course provides students with practical podium and rehearsal experience in leading live ensembles. Students rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire while developing conducting techniques, expressive gestures, rehearsal planning, and ensemble management skills. The orchestra also serves as a training environment for student musicians to improve ensemble playing, interpretation, and technical ability. Students are expected to devote 4–6 hours weekly to score study and preparation, in addition to 2.5–3 hours of rehearsal time.
CND620R Conductor’s Orchestra II (2 credits)
Building on Conductor’s Orchestra I, this course provides advanced experience in orchestral conducting, rehearsal management, and artistic interpretation. Students refine leadership, baton control, and rehearsal strategies while working with student ensembles on a range of repertoire. Emphasis is placed on independence, interpretive decision-making, and preparing for professional conducting opportunities. Students are expected to commit 4–6 hours weekly to preparation in addition to rehearsal sessions.
CND541 Orchestral Music I (Baroque to Classical) (2 credits)
This course surveys major works and composers of orchestral music from the Baroque to the Classical period (ca. 1600–1820). Students explore stylistic features, historical contexts, and the cultural significance of key works. Activities include listening sessions, score analysis, and class discussions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the evolution of orchestral forms and genres, and on analyzing the contributions of composers such as Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart.
CND542 Orchestral Music II (Classical to Romantic) (2 credits)
This course examines the development of orchestral music from the late Classical through the Romantic era (ca. 1750–1900). Students analyze major works and innovations of composers including Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, Liszt, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Bruckner, Mahler, Wagner, and Verdi. The course emphasizes historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts and explores transformations in symphonic and concerto forms, program music, nationalism, and late-Romantic expansion.
CND511 Score Reading (2 credits)
This course develops essential skills for aspiring conductors to read, interpret, and reduce orchestral and choral scores at the piano. Students practice sight-reading, transposition, clef reading, and two-hand reductions of complex textures. Emphasis is placed on harmonic and structural analysis, dynamic control, and coordination of reading with conducting gestures. Students are expected to devote 3–5 hours weekly to independent practice and preparation.
CND512 Score Analysis (2 credits)
This course offers an in-depth study of orchestral score analysis, focusing on how conductors interpret musical structures, harmonic progressions, orchestration, rhythm, and expressive markings. Students will engage in guided score study, analysis assignments, listening, and conducting workshops. Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical insights to rehearsal preparation and interpretive decision-making, enabling students to lead ensembles with informed musical understanding.
CND551R Conducting Practicum (2 credits)
This applied course provides hands-on conducting experience with student ensembles. Students refine baton technique, gestures, rehearsal strategies, cueing, and communication while preparing and leading major orchestral works. Emphasis is placed on effective rehearsal management, problem-solving, ensemble balance, and professional leadership. Participants conduct 3–4 major works per semester, supported by faculty supervision and video review for self-assessment.
CND550R Jury (0 credits, Pass/Fail)
The jury serves as a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s conducting skills, score analysis, rehearsal leadership, and artistic interpretation. Students conduct assigned repertoire with a live ensemble or piano reduction and participate in an oral examination on score analysis and interpretation. The jury assesses technical command, expressive clarity, leadership, and professionalism. A minimum grade of B is required to pass; students who do not pass must retake the jury in the following semester.
CND643A Graduate Orchestration A (2 credits)
This first course in a two-semester sequence provides a comprehensive study of orchestration techniques. Students learn instrumental ranges, timbres, and technical capacities, as well as orchestral scoring principles and historical practices. Coursework includes analysis of masterworks, orchestration exercises, and projects involving both score reduction and expansion. Emphasis is placed on effective use of instrumental color, balance, and stylistic appropriateness.
CND643B Graduate Orchestration B (2 credits)
A continuation of Graduate Orchestration A, this course focuses on advanced orchestration techniques from the late Romantic to Impressionist periods. Students analyze masterworks, study orchestral color and texture, and complete original orchestration projects. Emphasis is placed on advanced techniques, transcription for various ensembles, and creative adaptation of existing works. The course culminates in a final orchestration project with faculty and peer critique.
CND601 Conductor’s Forum (2 credits)
This interactive course offers advanced training for developing conductors through podium sessions, score study workshops, and class discussions. Students refine baton technique, expressive gestures, and leadership skills, while practicing rehearsal strategies and score interpretation. Emphasis is placed on artistic decision-making, effective communication with musicians, and the integration of feedback from faculty and peers.
CND555 Graduate Practicum (3 credits)
This practicum is based on full-time participation in the Shen Yun Performing Arts spring tour. Students gain professional experience in live performance, rehearsals, production, and administration. In addition to conducting and rehearsal assistance, students engage in logistical coordination and maintain reflective journals. The practicum emphasizes professional readiness, collaboration with artists and staff, and the development of technical and interpersonal skills essential for conducting in a touring context.
CND651 Graduate Recital (0 credits)
The Graduate Recital is the culminating experience of the Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting program. Students prepare and conduct a full-length orchestral concert, demonstrating mastery of conducting technique, score analysis, rehearsal leadership, and artistic interpretation. The recital represents the integration of academic study and practical training, showcasing the student’s professional readiness and artistic growth.