Aaron Copland School of Music - Queens College

Conducting Audition Information

Conducting (MM & Graduate Certificate)

A two-year program culminating in a full orchestral concert recital

The program is limited to three students and centers around the activities of the Queens College Orchestra under Music Director, Maestro Peress. The QCO rehearses twice a week and gives four concerts per semester. MA Conductors cover the full repertoire. They conduct section rehearsals and "run-through" readings.

Season 2004-05 included, Symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart; Concerti by Mozart, Bruch, Corigliano and Chopin; Smetena, Ma Vlast, Stravinsky Fireworks, Barber KnoxvilleSummer of 1915, Moussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at Exhibition and Brahms German Requiem.

Candidates are screened for their keenness of ear and keyboard skills … figured bass and score reading … they also take a written examination that covers, nomenclature, orchestration, score identification, harmonization, bowings, some French and German translation, and they conduct a rehearsal/audition with full orchestra –– Beethoven "Symphony #1" movements one and four, Mozart "Prague" movement one, and Debussy L'Apres midi d'un faune. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of their own instrument and are expected to have substantive orchestra conducting experience, as well as an undergraduate degree in music.

• Private lessons and Seminar, 3 Semesters (12 credits)
• Performance Practice e.g. 18th, 19th and/or 20th Century, 2 semesters (6 credits)
• Analysis for Performers, 1 semester (3 credits)
• Three semesters of electives e.g. Languages, Theory, Musicology (9 credits)
• Orchestra, 4 semesters (4 credits)

                                                                                                                                                              Updated on 04/02/2019