DMA Conducting: Music at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Develop highly qualified skills in the art and science of conducting with opportunities to demonstrate your full capabilities leading both choral and instrumental ensembles. Prepare for your career at the highest musical levels, and study in areas such as music theory, music history and general research. Enjoy unique opportunities to conduct both professional and student groups across a range of the finest ensembles at Carolina, from choirs and orchestras to the entire range of bands.

Faculty: School of Music | Duration: 26 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Gain advanced knowledge and skills in musicianship, instrumental and/or vocal competence, theoretical and historical analysis, repertory, rehearsal and baton technique and performance practices. Specialize in choral, band or orchestral ensembles. Our expert faculty works collaboratively to offer maximum opportunities for development.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Professor, Conductor, Director.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): The general requirements for admission are the completion of master’s degree in music (or the equivalent); an audition and interview; at least two graduate-level term papers that include a title page and bibliography; and the fulfillment of the general requirements for admission to The Graduate School, including the submission of three recommendations. Applicants in choral conducting must demonstrate diction proficiencies. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL, the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam, or the Duolingo exam. Normally, the minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 100 (internet-based) or 600 (paper-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 7. The minimum acceptable score on the Duolingo exam is 120. Admission decisions are based upon the...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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