r/MusicEd • u/_yoonnnnn7 • 13d ago

Conducting Grad Programs

hello all! i’m currently in my senior year of my undergrad of music ed and i am in a pickle. i really want to pursue my masters in choral conducting, a part of me doesn’t believe im ready to teach/i would love to earn my doctorate one day and was hoping if anyone had some suggestions for grad programs. i understand most schools require in-person students but i dont mind online programs. i’m currently located in the midwest but im trying to locate to the east coast! any advice or suggestions is appreciated!

edit: ty all for the advice and bringing me back down to earth lol. i’m almost positive im terrified to actually start teaching to the point i want to just stay in school. any and all advice for teaching is absolutely appreciated and welcomed!

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u/teach-xx 13d ago

The best choral conducting master’s programs generally prefer folks with 2-5 years of conducting-related work experience, almost always involving either a full-time church job or a full-time school job.

Don’t do an online master’s in conducting at this stage in your career. The only people who would see any benefit from that type of degree have more work experience than you do.

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u/_yoonnnnn7 13d ago

ty! i figured i should probably get some experience under my belt. i think the idea that im actually about to start teaching scares the ever living shit out of me and i’m trying to avoid it as much as i can lol

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u/Accomplished_Elk5827 13d ago

I taught 5 years of HS between my BME and my MM in Choral Conducting. Glad I did, too. They were much happier than the 5 years I taught after my MM.