MM Conducting: Music at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Gain a thorough command of leading choral and instrumental ensembles as you prepare for a career of conducting and teaching in our collaborative and supportive program. Featuring a strong emphasis on applied conducting studies, our graduate students 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. Academic work is individualized, and students present a full recital.

Faculty: School of Music | Duration: 8 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Courses include score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management and applications to specific school or professional ensembles. Work closely with faculty to master the art of conducting. Graduate assistantships are available.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Conductor, Director, Professor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): The general requirements for admission include the completion of an undergraduate degree in music (or the equivalent) with a grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on relevant courses and fulfillment of the general requirements for admission to The Graduate School, including the submission of three recommendations. The Master of Music with concentration in Music Theory requires submission of a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination General Test or the Miller Analogies Test. A list of additional admission materials specific to each degree program is available on the School of Music website. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL, IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam or Duolingo exam. Normally, the minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 80 (internet-based) or 570 (paper-based). The minimum...

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. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

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

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