WIU Choirs

 

Graduate Studies in Choral Conducting, M.M.


The Master of Music in Choral Conducting at WIU is a two-year program focused on 21st-century choral pedagogy and skill development, including current trends and needs of students within the ensemble setting. Graduate students will refine their conducting and rehearsal technique; develop competency in choral literature of all styles and time periods, including contemporary commercial music; and develop a holistic understanding of vocal technique for all styles of music. The choral conducting program offers a collaborative experience with a small cohort of fellow graduate choral conductors and generous podium time with a variety of University ensembles each semester.

Students will have a unique opportunity to develop informed conducting skills through the understanding of voice production utilizing the Estill Voice Model. Students will be immersed in current and historical voice science and will develop an understanding of physiological and acoustical elements of voice production as they relate to solo and ensemble singing. Those interested will also be mentored throughout the degree program to achieve Estill Figure Proficiency or Estill Master Trainer certification.

The M.M. degree culminates in a graduate recital with the "flagship" ensemble, the University Singers. For information on choral graduate assistantships for 2024-2025, please contact Dr. Brian J. Winnie.

Graduate Assistantships in choral conducting are typically available each fall. These assistantships offer a full tuition waiver (excluding fees), generous monthly stipend, and a tuition waiver on summer courses. Duties cover fall and spring semesters, and students are required to complete 13 hours a week of work. There are also  some additional funds available with off-campus church programs as well.

 

Degree Plan:

 

Core Requirements

 

  • MUS 591, Graduate Research in Music (3)
  • MUS 581 or 582, Analytical Techniques (3)
  • One Music History course from MUS 491G, 593, 594, 596 or 597 (3)
  • MUS 603, Comprehensive Exam (0)

 

Choral Conducting Area Courses

 

  • MUS 510, Conducting (Choral) (12)
  • MUS 540, Advanced Choral Pedagogy & Techniques (3)
  • MUS 590, Literature of the Applied Field (Renaissance through Classical) (2)
  • MUS 590, Literature of the Applied Field (Romantic through Contemporary) (2)
  • MUS 501, Ensemble Performance (4)
  • MUS 602, Recital (0)
  • Electives (2)
  • Total = 34 semester hours

 

Sample Plan of Study:

 

Semester 1 - Fall

Mus 591, Graduate Research in Music (3)

MUS 510, Conducting (3)

MUS 590, Choral Lit (Ren./Classical) (2)

MUS 501, Ensemble Performance (1)

Semester 3 - Fall

Core Music History (3)

MUS 510, Conducting (3)

MUS 590, Choral Lit (Rom./Contemporary) (2)

MUS 501, Ensemble Performance (1)

Semester 2 - Spring

MUS 581, Analytical Techniques (3)

MUS 510, Conducting (3)

MUS 501, Ensemble Performance (1)

 

One of the following depending on offering:

MUS 540, Adv. Choral Ped. & Techniques (3)

Elective Course(s) (2)

 

Semester 4 - Spring

MUS 510, Conducting (3)

MUS 501, Ensemble Performance (1)

MUS 602, Recital (0)

MUS 603, Comprehensive Exam (0)

 

One of the following depending on offering:

MUS 540, Adv. Choral Ped. & Techniques (3)

Elective Course(s) (2)