-This program is not yet approved for international students-

Offering an unparalleled opportunity for professional development on the podium, this cutting edge program provides comprehensive training for the 21st-century choral conductor.

Studies in choral literature and choral development intersect with coursework in liturgical music, the history of sacred music, and theoretical studies to provide an outstanding basis for leadership in the choral field. All of these competencies are designed to support the development of conducting craft and artistry at the highest professional level. Individual instruction as well as seminar formats on conducting and rehearsal technique prepare our students to lead The Repertory Chorus, a fully professional ensemble for the training of choral conductors. In addition to this experience of leadership in a professional recital series format, our conducting students have the opportunity to lead student ensembles in sectional rehearsals, balancing the ideals of professional level achievement with the challenges of choral development in younger singers.

The Repertory Chorus

The Repertory Chorus is a fully professional choir which serves as the resident training ensemble for graduate students in choral conducting. Drawn from among the Capital's best choral singers, this ensemble performs a curated series of choral concerts and liturgical services that showcase a carefully curated selection of sacred choral masterworks conducted by CUA's graduate choral conducting studio. For more information on the Master of Music in Choral Conducting, please contact Jay Brock brock@cua.edu

Entrance Requirements

Please Note: Not accepting graduate students for AY 23/24

A formal application to the M.M. in Sacred Music will include the following:

  1. Letter of Application
  2. Current Curriculum Vitae
  3. A Performance Video (does not need to be from an actual performance): 20-30 minutes of conducting (where the candidate is visible from the front) demonstrating works of contrasting styles; it is preferred to show examples of both rehearsal and performance, if possible.
  4. Both in-person and online auditions will include a demonstration of keyboard proficiency, open score-reading, and sight-singing. Repertoire for conducting auditions will be stipulated upon invitation to the live on-campus auditon. Auditions are scheduled as part of the University's application process through Acceptd.

All students entering the Master of Music degree program in Sacred Music must take the Music Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination. These placement exams are administered by the Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition faculty, and are always offered in-person on the Saturday before a given term begins.

Musical Prerequisites

The undergraduate music degree (typically the Bachelor of Music degree) is a prerequisite except in extraordinary circumstances. Graduate entrance examinations will be administered.

 

Graduation Requirements

  1. A one-hour public recital (MUS 697A w/ classes; MUS 697B w/our classes) in the area of concentration is required.
  2. The student may schedule comprehensive examinations (MUS698A w/ classes; MUS 698B w/out classes) following the advisor's written approval. Responses to teh questions are prepared beforehand, and the candidate must pass a two-hour oral examination regarding the content of the questions and his or her responses. Candidates receive the questions one week prior to the scheduled oral exam.

Minor in Latin American Music

Requirements listed above apply, with the following exceptions:

  1. A minimum of 44 hours of graduate work is required.
  2. Six semester hours of Latin American music electives are required.A significant portion of the student's performance repertoire for the final recital must consist of music by Iberian or Latin American composers. For the composer, a significant portion of compositions must be works for Hispanic/Latin American liturgical needs.