Choral Conducting

The Master of Music with a Choral Conducting Concentration

The Master of Music with a Choral Conducting Concentration is an intensive degree program for qualified applicants, providing tools to improve physical conducting gesture, aural skills, score study and preparation skills, and rehearsal technique.  MM Choral Conductors also hold assistantships with the UNM choirs where they will work closely with the Director of Choral Studies, Dr. David Edmonds, assist one of the four UNM choirs as well as undergraduate choral conducting.

In order to provide adequate podium time, performance opportunities and coaching, a maximum of 2-3 students will be accepted each year. All candidates will be considered, though preference will be given to applicants with prior teaching or other professional conducting experience. Past graduates hold positions in school music programs, collegiate programs, opera companies and professional musical groups.

Application process:

• Review the UNM Graduate Music Degree information.
• Submit via email to Director of Choral Studies, David Edmonds, a CV and a URL of a video uploaded to YouTube. The video must show the candidate conducting 15-20 minutes of a choral rehearsal held within the last 3 years.  For best consideration, emails should be received by December 15th.
• Qualified applicants will receive an invitation to prepare for a live audition (usually February-March) which will include podium time with one of the UNM Choirs, tests in aural skills, and vocal and keyboard ability.

For all questions, please email Dr. David Edmonds, Director of Choral Studies, at dmedmonds@unm.edu.