Graduate Program Information
Choral Conductor Choral Conducting Studies Application Information Graduate Handbook
GRADUATE CHORAL CONDUCTING COURSES
The UNT Choral Program is comprised of nine university choirs. Check the ensembles page for information about each choir. Check the performance calendar for upcoming choral concerts.
UNT's graduate choral conducting program is one of America's premier programs. Led by Dr. Allen Hightower, director of choral studies, the program consists of practical and academic studies leading to the development of musical skills crucial to the success of the next generation of American choral conductors.
UNT choral conducting students are afforded annual opportunities to learn from leaders in the choral art from around the globe. Workshops and/or classes have been given by visiting artists, including:
2019-20 Conducting Masterclasses with Dr. Eric Nelson, Director of Choral Studies at Emory University and Artistic Director of the Atlanta Master Chorale; Don Neuen, UCLA Distinguished Professor of Conducting Emeritus; Dr. Jerry McCoy, UNT Regents Professor of Music Emeritus; and Dr. Joshua Habermann in residence with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale
2018-19 Conducting Masterclasses with Dr. Jerry McCoy, UNT Regents Professor of Music Emeritus; and Alejandro Gómez Guillén, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor
2017-18 Conducting Masterclass with Dr. Joshua Habermann in residence with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale
APPLICATIONS
Application Materials: Apply online here. Once completed forms and all required materials have been received and evaluated, the choral faculty will invite selected applicants to campus for an interview and audition with one of our university choirs. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Allen Hightower at Allen.Hightower@unt.edu. Applications are due by the first Monday in December.
Your video should include rehearsal and performances recordings of your conducting. The camera should face the conductor. Video submissions may be in digital upload or DVD format.
Because our on-campus choral conducting audition dates are January 25 & 26 and it takes several weeks for the application materials to clear the university, the college and finally get to us, you would be well served if your application packet got to us no later than December 1, 2021. Early November is preferred.
Go to the College of Music web site and apply online. Be sure to include a video of your conducting (view of the conductor) comprised of rehearsal and performance.
Once we receive and evaluate your materials, we will make a determination about inviting you to campus for an audition and interview. We will do our best to notify you of an on-campus audition request at least a month before the audition date. The earlier we receive your materials, the earlier we can make this determination.
The student will conduct two pieces in the audition to be assigned by the Director of Choral Studies.
Allen Hightower, Professor, Director of Choral Studies
Kristina MacMullen, Associate Professor of Choral Studies
Joshua Habermann, Adjunct Professor of Choral Literature