News

Lee University’s School of Music has added a new master’s degree program this fall: the Master of Music in Conducting (Choral Conducting or Wind Conducting).

The degree will join the existing programs in graduate studies in music: Church Music, Music Education, and Music Performance.

The conducting degree will focus on rehearsal skills, technical skills of conducting, relevant literature, and performance expertise.

“There has been an increasing interest in this field within the School of Music for some time,” said William Green, Dean of the School of Music. “With our strong tradition in conducting and ensemble performance, this is something close to our hearts.”

The degree focuses on practical application, with a sizeable amount of hours devoted to private conducting study with a faculty mentor and participation with existing Lee ensembles.
“We believe that the combination of world-class faculty, excellent musical ensembles and a commitment to student podium time makes our graduate degree in conducting one of the best in our region,” said Brad Moffett, Director of Graduate Studies in Music. “Lee University has a rich legacy of powerful musical ensembles, and this new graduate degree is a natural extension of that legacy.”

Faculty members will be actively involved in the new program, including David R. Holsinger, Professor of Music and composer and conductor of the Lee University Wind Ensemble; Cameron LaBarr, Assistant Professor of Choral Music and conductor of the Lee University Choral Union; Robert Bernhardt, Artist in Residence and Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Music Director Emeritus; and Green, conductor of the Lee University Chorale.

“Conducting degrees such as this are a part of many university music programs,” said Green. “In addition to those seeking advanced degrees in conducting it will be particularly useful for music educators seeking a more performance-based approach, or church leaders working in traditional settings.”

“This new program in conducting is the result of several years of dreaming, planning and proposing,” said Moffett. “I am looking forward to hearing great reports concerning our graduates and their successful careers as conductors.”

Students interested in graduate studies in conducting may contact Graduate Studies in Music at (423) 614-8245 or [email protected] for more information.

(Caption) Conducting student Sarah Pearson works alongside director Dr. David R. Holsinger in Wind Ensemble rehearsal as part of the degree’s practical application component.