The Choral Conducting Program at Peabody Conservatory, under the direction of Dr. Beth Willer, offers forward-thinking instruction and hands-on training in conducting technique and leadership of varied vocal and vocal-instrumental ensembles. Studying and performing repertoire from across centuries, students will develop the diverse set of skills necessary for the performance of historical and contemporary music, including frequent collaboration with living composers and creators.

The program offers a Master of Musical Arts degree and requires a residency of two years.

Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis.

Each student is guaranteed exceptional podium time, including weekly seminars with a live conductors’ choir (4 hrs per week), and hands-on assistance and co-leadership of Peabody’s vocal ensembles in rehearsal and performance, including NEXT Ensemble, Peabody Camerata, and the Peabody Hopkins Conservatory Choir. In addition to developing skills on the podium, students will also coach one-on-a-part vocal chamber ensembles of undergraduate- and graduate-level voice majors. Additional opportunities may include leading readings and recordings of new works by student composers, teaching undergraduate conductors, preparation of ensembles for the Peabody Opera Department, or work with varied ensembles in the Baltimore/D.C metro area.

The choral repertoire sequence will engage experts from across the field to lead students in the study of historical and contemporary repertoires, including attention to performance practice, a survey of a cappella and choral-orchestral masterworks spanning the 16c-20c, and emerging 21c repertoire. Repertoire studied will include works by underrepresented composers, and cross-genre compositions.

Master’s candidates are expected to have a working knowledge of vocal technique(s) and diction/IPA. Each student will be offered a semester of non-major voice lessons as part of their degree. Additionally, keyboard proficiency (open-score Bach chorale, 4 staves), and theory and ear-training skills (analysis and dictation) will be assessed as a part of the audition process.