student experience 

Our graduate program offers a student-centered environment designed to help each individual gain the tools, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in any position as an instrumental conductor. Based in a belief that conducting is comprehensive musicianship, students build on strengths in their current skill set while developing new musicianship and conducting skills. For more specific information on the structure of the curriculum, see the Curriculum page.

While students may be specializing in wind conducting, the program is built around a more complete understanding of instrumental conducting. All students have experiences conducting large and small ensembles and are encouraged to explore additional conducting opportunities based on individual interest.

Podium time for graduate students in wind conducting is significant. Typically, each student will conduct at least once per semester with one of the faculty-led ensembles (Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, Hindsley Symphonic Band, University Band, and Campus Band). Other conducting opportunities during the year include work in conducting lab (see Curriculum for more detail) and may also include individual conducting recitals, leading an ensemble for an undergraduate or graduate student recital, and more based on student interest.

Graduate Teaching Assistants assist with instruction of undergraduate conducting courses and administration of the comprehensive Illinois Bands program. One DMA student typically serves as teacher of record for one section of our undergraduate conducting sequence.

Illinois bands wind conducting guest artists

2023–2024
Bridget Sweet, Assoc. Professor of Music Education, Body Mapping Instructor - Univ. of Illinois
H. Robert Reynolds, Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Michigan
Hilary Purrington, composer
Steven Whiting - Professor Emeritus of Musicology - University of Michigan
Michael Haithcock Director of Bands Emeritus - University of Michigan
Craig Kirchhoff, Director of Bands Emeritus - University of Minnesota
Juan Jose Navarro, Professor of Conducting - University of Almeria (Spain)
Christopher Cerrone, composer
Lindsay Kesselman, soprano

2022–2023
Col. Jason Fettig, Director - “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Mallory Thompson - Director of Bands, Northwestern University
John R. Locke, Director of Bands Emeritus - University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Joel Puckett, composer
James Stephenson, composer
James Lee III, composer
Chen Yi, composer
Mark Clague, Professor of Musicology - University of Michigan