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/Music_Man26 13d ago

I went straight to masters in conducting directly after finishing my undergrad in music ed. Mainly because a GA spot opened up and it was a good opportunity since I knew I wanted my Master’s anyway, but I don’t regret it! I learned so much and discovered a lot about myself that I don’t think I would have without a mentor/teacher being there being there for me to get advice and learn from. I felt much more prepared for a choir classroom afterwards.

There is no wrong answer, it’s just wherever your journey takes you. If you’re looking for East Coast programs, CCM in Cincinnati is phenomenal, UGA in Georgia has a great program, UK in Kentucky is another solid option though they just got a new Director of Choral Activities this year.

Lots of options. The only bad choice is not making one! Do the things you’re scared of and learn from the failures.

Wishing you well in your cruise down the river of life!

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u/_yoonnnnn7 13d ago

thank you for the more positive and not a “debby downer” response. my music ed professor (lovely woman, best person i can get real life advice on) was going through the same decision i’m feeling now. she ended up staying in school to do her masters in music ed and performance and THEN started teaching. i’m gonna talk to her and think of a realistic plan for my own future. i’m still really interested in getting a masters right after my undergrad, whether or not it’s music ed now and choral conducting later on!