Penn State offers aspiring conductors a thorough and well-rounded approach to the study of conducting. At the undergraduate level, the conducting faculty introduce and refine conducting gestures, and develop skills in score reading and rehearsal techniques. Three levels of conducting study are offered at the undergraduate level, taught by faculty members with Masters-level conducting students assisting.
Graduate degrees in conducting are designed for the preparation of professional conductors and teachers, with options in choral, orchestral, and band/wind ensemble music. We provide students intensive opportunities to develop their conducting and rehearsal techniques, explore a large body of literature appropriate to their area of study, refine their skills in music analysis and score preparation, and expand their knowledge in music theory and history. Significant conducting experiences with University ensembles form a vital part of the graduate experience.