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Florida State / College of Music / Areas of Study / Conducting / Choral Conducting
Choral Conducting
The Florida State University’s Choral Conducting Program is nationally and internationally renowned for the caliber of its students and the quality of instruction those students receive. Dr. André Thomas, Director of Choral Activities, oversees the program, a program in which students enjoy extensive opportunities to conduct in a variety of settings. Students pursuing the M.M. and the Ph.D. in choral conducting/Music Education participate in four semesters of a conducting master class as well as FSU’s Choral Union, an ensemble in which they conduct all repertoire. Ph.D. students and M.M students also serve as teaching assistants and assistant conductors for the University Chorale/ Tallahassee Community Chorus, Chamber Choir, Gospel Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Florida State Opera Company, and Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs. Additionally, students pursuing the M.M. assemble and prepare an ensemble for a recital in their second year of study.
While at FSU, students engage in study of the art and science of conducting, incorporating techniques from FSU’s outstanding choral faculty. FSU’s faculty shares a deep devotion not only to the crafting of fine performances but also to the best practices of music education. This dual emphasis allows for latitude in students’ focus. In addition to preeminent musicology and theory experts, FSU’s faculty includes superb band and orchestra conductors. Students have the opportunity to observe and receive instruction from those conductors. This broad experience contributes to the excellent job placement rate of the Choral Conducting Program’s graduates.
The Choral Conducting Program’s current students are active in the Music Educator’s National Conference and the American Choral Director’s Association on the local and national level, publishing articles, attending, and presenting at conferences. Individuals have also been selected to lead high school choral clinics, participate in master classes, and assist in leadership of music festivals. Graduates of FSU are at the helm of outstanding choral ensembles across the nation and throughout the world.
