Join a dynamic and diverse community of scholar-performers who share your dedication to musical mastery. Situated in the heart of Boston, a vibrant cultural hub, our program offers unparalleled access to a rich cultural landscape, opening doors to both amateur and professional collaborations. Whether you’re leading live performances, collaborating on groundbreaking projects, or engaging with the city’s thriving artistic scene, the Master of Music in Conducting at Boston University prepares you to shape the future of choral and orchestral music with confidence and visionary flair.

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Curriculum requirements for the MM in Conducting program can be found on the Academic Bulletin.

Program of Study

Discover the unparalleled opportunities awaiting you in the Master of Music in Choral Conducting program at Boston University School of Music. Led by esteemed faculty including Dr. Daniel Parsley, Prof. Sarah Ioannides, and Dr. William Lumpkin, our program is designed to cultivate the next generation of choral leaders through a dynamic and immersive educational experience.

Program Highlights

Ample Podium Time

Gain extensive practical experience with significant podium time, allowing you to hone your conducting skills and develop your unique artistic voice.

Graduate Conductors Chorus

Lead and collaborate with fellow graduate conductors in our dedicated Graduate Conductors Chorus, providing a rich environment for learning and performance.

Comprehensive Choral Literature Sequence

Dive deep into the vast repertoire of choral literature in our four semester sequence, exploring works from various periods, performance practice, and styles to build a robust foundation in choral music.

Conservatory Setting within a Large Research Institute

Benefit from the best of both worlds—a conservatory-style education with intimate, focused instruction, housed within the vibrant, resource-rich environment of a major research university.

Boston University Opera Institute

Engage with the renowned Boston University Opera Institute, enhancing your understanding of vocal performance and collaborative skills through interdisciplinary opportunities.

Music Education Programs

Explore opportunities to integrate pedagogical insights into your conducting practice, preparing you to educate and inspire future generations of musicians.

Situated in the heart of Boston, a renowned hub for classical music, our program offers you access to a thriving artistic community. Engage with prestigious organizations such as the Handel and Haydn Society (H+H), Boston Children’s Chorus, National Children’s Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Lyric Opera, and countless other professional ensembles and choirs. The city’s rich cultural landscape provides ample opportunities for professional development, networking, and performance.

Join us at Boston University School of Music and take the next step in your conducting career. Here, you’ll find a supportive and challenging environment that will prepare you for success on the podium and beyond.

Comprehensive Curriculum

• Advanced Conducting Techniques • Master the art of conducting through in-depth study and hands-on practice, focusing on baton technique, score reading, rehearsal strategies, and performance practices.
• Orchestral Literature • Explore a wide range of orchestral repertoire from Baroque to contemporary, gaining a deep understanding of stylistic interpretations and historical contexts.
• Related Studies • Complement your conducting training with courses in music theory, musicology, and performance practice to enhance your overall musicianship.
• Expert Mentorship • Learn from a world-renowned faculty with extensive experience as conductors, composers, and performers, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of orchestral conductors.

Performance Opportunities

• Podium Time • Gain invaluable experience conducting the BU Symphony Orchestra, BU All Campus Orchestra, BU Opera Institute, and other university ensembles in rehearsals and live performances.
• Collaborative Projects • Engage in interdisciplinary experiences in the College of Fine Arts and the greater Boston University community, broadening your conducting experience and artistic perspective. Recent intra-University collaborative project partners include the Boston University Opera Institute, Boston University School of Theatre, Boston University Center for Beethoven Research, and Boston University School of Theology.  
• Guest Conductors and Masterclasses • Interact with acclaimed guest conductors and participate in masterclasses, gaining insights from leaders in the field.

Vibrant Artistic Community

• Boston’s Cultural Scene • Take advantage of the rich artistic environment of Boston, home to renowned orchestras, opera companies, and music festivals. Opportunities for professional collaborations and networking abound.
• Diverse Community • Join a dynamic and diverse community of musicians, scholars, and performers, fostering an environment of mutual support and artistic growth.

Research and Scholarship

• Innovative Research • Engage in research projects that contribute to the field of orchestral conducting, supported by the resources of a leading research university.
• Scholarly Community • Collaborate with peers and faculty on scholarly initiatives, presentations, and publications, enriching your academic and professional profile.

Featured Faculty

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  Sarah Ioannides

  Director of Orchestral Activities; Associate Professor in Orchestral Conducting

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  William Lumpkin

  Associate Professor of Music; Artistic Director, Opera Institute

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  Daniel Parsley

  Assistant Professor in Choral Conducting, Director of Choral Activities