The Graduate Program in Wind Band Conducting is a small and selective program that prepares students to effectively function in academic and professional settings. Two graduate degree programs in conducting are offered at Ball State: the master of music degree with a major in conducting, and the doctor of arts in music degree with a primary emphasis in conducting. Graduate Assistantships and yearly stipends are available for students in these program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the requirements for entrance into the Ball State graduate degree program.

Applicants to the wind band conducting program should have a minimum of two years of high school equivalent conducting/teaching experience.

Applicants should be familiar with a substantial number of traditional band and wind ensemble works.

Conducting Experiences

Students in the graduate conducting program attend weekly conducting seminars, receive private instruction and are required to attend all Wind Ensemble rehearsals (if not performing in the ensemble) and observe other conducting faculty.

Conducting students are provided conducting opportunities (rehearsals and performance) with the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band. In addition, selected students will be assigned to serve as the primary conductor of the Concert Band or Campus Band.

Application Procedure

In addition to items required for admission to the BSU School of Music, applicants to the Wind Band Conducting program are required to do the following:

1. Submit a DVD approximately 20-30 minutes in length of a rehearsal. The video should be taped so that a frontal view of the conductor is visible and verbal instructions are audible.

2. Submit a DVD of a recent performance that includes contrasting music selections. The video should be taped so that a frontal view of the conductor is visible.

Both videos may be combined into one DVD.

If the pre-audition conducting tapes are acceptable, a live audition with the Ball State Wind Ensemble or Symphony Band on the BSU campus will be scheduled. The on-campus audition/interview is required for doctoral applicants and preferred for master's applicants.

Contact Dr. Thomas Caneva for more information regarding the Wind Band Graduate Conducting Program. For more information about graduate assistantships in conducting, click here.