The graduate choral conducting programs at the University of Washington are designed to provide an holistic approach to studying the choral art while preparing conductors for a professional career. Recent graduates have been placed in prestigious positions in colleges and universities, churches, public schools, and with community and semi-professional organizations. The program offers a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral conducting as well as a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. The DMA is outlined to be a thorough yet efficient course of study which can allow the student to finish a degee in three years. The MM is designed to be completed in two academic years.

Our mission theme: Conductor as Artist-Leader-Performer-Scholar-Servant-Teacher, we believe is unique among graduate institutions. Our choral faculty focuses on educating the whole conductor to better prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world. We feel the choral art is an organic and evolving one, and the University of Washington choral program, faculty and students are working to be at the leading edge of change. Be it technology, integration of non-western musical elements, or new thinking toward conducting, the conducting community is infused with fresh and forward looking ideas. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the University of Washington choral department has created a true community of scholars. That is, we put a high priority on creating a learning community, a group of respected and trusted friends who create a supportive environment which allows students to trust, be vulnerable, and grow at very deep levels. This learning environment can provide rich and profound sharing, as well as life-changing experiences in and out of the classroom.

Undergraduate Choral Conducting

• One full year of conducting courses featuring two quarters of choral conducting and one quarter of instrumental conducting
• Frequent integration of conducting and music education methods courses, allowing students to transport principles of gesture into rehearsal
• Podium time for undergraduate music majors through University Chorale Diva Section Leader Scholarships
• Traditional conducting techniques fused with the latest tends in conducting pedagogy, including the methodology of Laban, Alexander, and Saito
• Holistic educational techniques to teach the process of ensemble culture-building
• Diverse array of choral ensembles sing in various styles; opportunities to tour across the United States and internationally