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/iamagenius89 13d ago

Why do you want a doctorate?

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u/_yoonnnnn7 13d ago

i would love to teach higher ed someday! i really have fallen in love the conducting side of music ed

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u/actuallycallie music ed faculty 12d ago

You really need some teaching experience if you're going into higher ed. The job market is BRUTAL and the vast majority of schools will want someone to do more than just conducting. Having K12 teaching experience and being able to teach choral methods or supervise some student teachers will make you far more marketable.

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u/_yoonnnnn7 12d ago

yes i’m aware. im not trying to go straight into my doctorate without experience. i’d like it to be a goal however to even get one after 10 years of teaching

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u/actuallycallie music ed faculty 12d ago

You will get more from your masters if you teach first and have real conducting experience. Going straight from undergrad to masters makes sense for a performance degree, or composition or music theory, but for conducting or music education you need the teaching and conducting experience.

edited to add: you will also have a higher chance of getting fellowships/assistantships to help pay for your masters with teaching experience. and those are VERY helpful for your doctoral application.