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Subject · 418 verified programs

Conducting: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs that train musicians to lead orchestras, bands and choirs through score study, rehearsal technique and supervised podium experience.

Also called: Orchestral Conducting, Choral Conducting, Wind Conducting, Band Conducting, Dirigieren, Direzione d'orchestra, Direction d'orchestre.

173 MM / MMus · 57 Other master’s award · 55 DMA · 51 Other bachelor’s award · 24 MA · 14 BA / BA (Hons) · 13 Other diploma · 9 Certificate · 6 BM / BMus · 5 Other practice doctorate · 4 Artist Diploma · 4 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 2 Graduate Diploma · 1 MFA · 205 dedicated degree, 113 named major, 26 documented pathway, 74 official concentration

418 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About conducting study

Conducting is the art of directing a group of performers, and degree study treats it as a combination of musical knowledge, physical gesture and rehearsal leadership. Students learn to read and internalize full scores, to communicate tempo, balance and character through movement, and to run an efficient rehearsal that improves an ensemble within limited time.

Because a conductor cannot practice without players, programs depend on access to ensembles. Training often includes conducting classes, score reading at the piano, instrument-specific knowledge, and podium time with student or professional groups. Many programs divide into orchestral, choral and wind band tracks, since each repertoire has its own conventions, rehearsal habits and professional routes.

Conducting differs from performance in that the instrument is the ensemble, and from composition in that the focus is interpretation rather than invention. It is usually a graduate-level specialty, although some undergraduate programs offer it as an emphasis, often alongside a principal instrument or voice.

What study typically involves

  • Baton or hand technique and gesture clarity
  • Score study and score reading across periods and styles
  • Rehearsal planning, error detection and ensemble leadership
  • Choral, orchestral or wind band repertoire depending on track
  • Orchestration and instrument knowledge, including transposition
  • Advanced aural skills and keyboard skills
  • Vocal pedagogy and diction for choral conducting
  • Supervised conducting with ensembles and recorded self-review

Award titles. Conducting is commonly recognized at master's level through awards such as the MM or MMus in conducting, and in some countries through postgraduate diplomas. Bachelor's study may appear as a BM or BA with a conducting emphasis. Doctoral options such as the DMA or PhD exist in some systems, with the DMA usually practice-focused. Titles and levels vary by country and are not treated as equivalent here; the official program page governs.

A program is listed under Conducting on this directory only when it is a dedicated conducting degree, a named conducting major, an official conducting concentration or a documented conducting pathway. A single conducting class taken as an elective does not count.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Conducting admissions often combine several stages. Applicants may be asked to submit a video of themselves conducting, a résumé of ensemble experience, and references, then attend an on-site audition in which they rehearse a group of musicians on set repertoire. Panels often watch how the applicant solves problems in rehearsal as much as how the gesture looks.

Because the field relies on strong musicianship, programs commonly ask for evidence of proficiency on an instrument or voice, a keyboard test, written theory and ear tests, and sometimes a score identification or orchestration exercise. Choral tracks may request vocal audition and diction work, and wind and orchestral tracks may probe knowledge of instrument ranges.

Prior conducting experience is often expected at graduate level, but expectations and formats differ widely. Check the official admissions page for what is required and note that intake can be very small. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding for conducting students can include graduate assistantships that involve directing ensembles or assisting with them, scholarships, tuition waivers and fellowships offered by some institutions or external foundations. Professional ensembles and festivals sometimes offer paid or subsidized training placements.

Terms depend on the institution and country and may be competitive, partial or unavailable. Check with each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include scores and study editions, travel for auditions with live ensembles, video recording of conducting samples, and access to rehearsal players if a program expects students to organize their own sessions.