Orchestral Conducting

The MM in Orchestral Conducting is a degree program designed for the student who wishes to pursue a D.M.A. degree in conducting or to continue directly into the field, in preparation for a career as a conductor and musical leader professionally or in academia.

Highly intensive and hands-on, the MM in Orchestral Conducting offers young conductors the opportunity to conduct the UNM Symphony Orchestra and the UNM Sinfonia, work directly with conducting faculty and peers in seminar, lesson, and masterclass formats, and to examine, in a comprehensive way, subjects such as interpretation, the physicality of conducting, rehearsal technique, performance practice, ensemble psychology, and more. The UNM Orchestral Program offers a ​graduate assistantship, the obligations of which include assisting in conducting rehearsals or in concert as assigned, assisting in the operations of the UNM Orchestra library, and aiding in the logistical aspects of orchestra operations. The program is limited to two students – providing those students with an excellent number of conducting opportunities and individualized attention.

Dr. Matthew Forte is the Director of Orchestral Activities and head of the MM in Orchestral Conducting. The MM in Orchestral Conducting provides opportunities for the student to also work with Professor Dr. Emily Moss, Director of the UNM Bands and head of the MM in Wind Conducting, and Dr. David Edmonds, Director of Choral Studies.

Entrance into the program requires pre-screening, which includes submission of the following materials, to be received no later than January 1, 2022:

• Video of the candidate conducting at least two works, in either rehearsal or performance, contrasting in style, with a cumulative duration of no less than ten (10) and no greater than twenty-five (25) minutes.

• A current curriculum vitae 

• A letter of application that addresses two questions: 1) What are your goals as a conductor and musician, both short and long-term?  2) In what ways do you hope that the UNM orchestral program might help you to achieve these goals: why here?

Based on these pre-screening materials, applicants who progress to the final round will be notified of next steps no later than January 10, 2022. For more information, or to submit pre-screening materials, contact Dr. Matthew Forte at forte@unm.edu