Graduate Wind Conducting Program
Master's Degree in Wind Band Conducting
D.M.A. in Instrumental Conducting (Wind Band Emphasis)
We are very excited about new courses and a newly approved curriculum to facilitate the finest contemporary education of graduate conductors today.
If you are interested in pursuing one of these new concentrations and would like further details, please contact Dr. Robert Rumbelow at rumbelow@illinois.edu for the wind band concentration.
General Information
The graduate programs in Wind Band Conducting are designed to be small and highly selective. The objective of the master's and doctoral programs in Wind Band Conducting is to prepare highly competent conductors of wind music. Graduates will be prepared to succeed in professional and high academic settings.
The music faculty of the University of Illinois considers study in music history, theory, and related fields essential components of a conductor's preparation. The School of Music maintains an excellent library, distinguished faculty, and well-trained staff. In addition, Illinois Bands has the largest and oldest university performance library collection in the world, as well as the famous Sousa Archives & Center for American Music located in the Harding Band Building. These amazing historic libraries provide the world's finest research capabilities for our graduate students. The performing ensembles, which are composed entirely of students, differ in size, purpose, and repertoire. Collectively they provide an outstanding musical laboratory for those enrolled in the conducting program.
Application Procedure
(M.M. and D.M.A.)
All applicants to the M.M. and D.M.A. must apply to the University of Illinois School of Music by December 1, 2011 for Fall 2012 admission. Click HERE for information.
International applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
Applicants for the M.M. and D.M.A. in Wind Band Conducting will be asked to submit these specific items in addition to the general list of items submitted by all students:
1. List of works the applicant has conducted in public performance. (with Dec. 1 deadline materials)
(include date and name of performing ensemble)
2. List of works the applicant is prepared to conduct. (with Dec. 1 deadline materials)
3. A written analysis of a movement from a major tonal work on the applicant's repertoire list. The analysis (technical in nature) should emphasize such elements as form, internal structure, thematic and harmonic information, and rhythmic analysis, if applicable to the selected work. The analysis should be in written form, but can include charts or graphs. The paper should demonstrate the connection between analysis and its implication for rehearsal and performance. Please keep the paper under ten pages, double-spaced, including charts.
(with Dec. 1 deadline materials)
4. A "face-to-the-camera" high-quality DVD of the applicant conducting in both rehearsal and performance settings. Both small and large ensemble excerpts are acceptable. The DVD should be approximately 15 minutes of material. Rehearsal segments must be conducted in English. Please take one minute at the beginning of the video to introduce yourself and briefly describe your goals in pursuing master's or doctoral studies in conducting.
Your name and address, the names of works and movements included on the DVD, and the degree program to which you are applying should be clearly indicated on the DVD label. No materials will be returned.
*DVD deadline is January 5, and should be mailed directly to University Bands at:
University of Illinois Bands
Graduate Application DVD
1103 South Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Audition/Interview
On the basis of the admissions dossier and materials listed above, a limited number of applicants will be invited to the University of Illinois for a live audition/interview. All expenses for the audition/interview, which is required for admission, must be borne by the applicant. The audition/interview will consist of the following:
1. A conducting experience with one of the University of Illinois bands that will include live coaching with the ensemble.
2. An interview with Dr. Rumbelow and other band faculty as available including a discussion of your written analysis and another work in the wind repertoire to be announced.
3. Demonstration by the applicant of the ability to sing and play (on piano) individual parts from a selected score. In addition, there will be a very short score excerpt to read on piano.
4. Music History and Theory exams (competitive by score)
5. Aural testing (identification and singing of standard chords, scales, and intervals)
6. Score identification (standard wind repertoire)
Questions can be forwarded to Rebekka Kaupat (assistant to the director of bands) at rkaupat2@illinois.edu
*Finalists will be notified by January 12, 2012.
*Finalist Audition/Interview dates will be February 21 & 22.
The interview, conducting, coaching, and testing will all happen between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the selected day.
Applicants invited to the finalist audition/interview should be prepared to conduct all movements of Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy and be familiar with Stravinsky's Octet.
Course of Study
Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting Wind Band Emphasis
8 Hours - MUS 540, Graduate Wind Band Conducting
4 Hours - MUS 554, Wind Band Literature & History
2 Hours - MUS 552, Graduate Conducting Forum
2 Hours - MUS 528, Problems and Methods
8 Hours - Advanced History, Performance Practice, or Music Theory
6 Hours - Electives
Total - 32 Hours
Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting Wind Band Emphasis
16 Hours - MUS 573, Doctoral Wind Band Conducting
4 Hours - MUS 554, Wind Band Literature & History
4 Hours - MUS 552, Graduate Conducting Forum
4 Hours - MUS 568, Advanced Instrumentation: Band
4 Hours - MUS 528, Problems and Methods
4 Hours - Advanced History or Performance Practice
4 Hours - Advanced Music Theory
8-16 Hours - Cognate Field or Minor
8 Hours - Electives
8 Hours - MUS 576, Doctoral Project
Total - 64 Hours