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Conducting

Gaining leadership and entrepreneurial skills for the 21st Century.

FSU offers conducting students individualized instruction and ample podium time in the context of a large, diverse graduate conducting cohort

Conducting students encounter a wide variety of experiences, working with large ensembles, as well as both auditioned and non-auditioned collegiate ensembles. Graduate conductors serve as an integral part of the FSU choral and instrumental area and are immersed in all aspects of running these collegiate programs, giving them a comprehensive experience

Strong Community

The conducting program places a strong emphasis on collegiality, enabling students to form strong professional relationships that will enrich their future careers. Conducting students work together and with students from across the College of Music, building a plurality of lasting relationships.

In addition to the conducting faculty, students also learn from internationally-recognized faculty in the areas of music education, applied voice, music theory, and musicology. Students are actively encouraged to learn and grow from observation of and dialogue with each other.

A Tailored Fit

Graduate conducting students earn degrees with ample customization, allowing for experiences important to the development of each unique individual. Degree programs allow students to focus on a future in teaching or as professional conductor in a myriad of settings.

For more information about the Conducting program, contact Kevin Fenton (choral), Michael Hanawalt (choral),Rodney Dorsey (wind) and Alexander Jiménez (orchestral).

Conducting Faculty

Kevin Fenton

  • Professor of Music Education
  • Director of Undergraduate Choral Studies

Michael Hanawalt

  • Associate Professor of Music and Director of Graduate Choral Studies

Alexander Jiménez

  • Professor of Conducting
  • Director of Orchestral Activities
  • String Area Coordinator

Kimberly VanWeelden

  • Professor of Music Education

Rodney Dorsey

  • Professor of Music
  • Director of FSU Wind Orchestra and Graduate Wind Conducting
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Graduate Programs

Master of Music in Performance

Highly selective, student in the MM receive significant podium time and a highly personalized course of study.

Program of Study – Band Conducting

Program of Study – Choral Conducting

Program of Study – Orchestral Conducting

Master of Music Education

This program includes high-level conducting experience in both a regular academic-year and also a summer only program.

Program of Study – Non-Thesis track

Program of Study – Thesis track

Program of Study – Choral (Summer)

Program of Study – Instrumental (Summer)

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
  • Choral, Orchestral, or Wind Conducting emphasis.
  • This unique program places primary emphasis on orchestral conducting via a nationally leading music education program intended to prepare the student for a career in higher education.
  • Students in the PhD serve as conducting assistants in the major choral, orchestral and wind ensembles, teach undergraduate beginning conducting courses, and assist the faculty directors in the management of a large ensemble studies program.
  • In partnership with a national leading music education program, this highly selective degree program offers a qualified and experienced music directorship of a college-level ensemble as well as instruction from the conducting faculty.

Program of Study

Specialized Studies Programs

Specialized Studies - College Teaching
Specialized Studies - Music Education & Leadership