UNT College of Music: Home

Conducting Audition Information  

Choral Conducting (MM & DMA)

Applications

Application Materials: Apply online here.

l  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.  

l  If you have questions, please contact Dr. Allen Hightower at Allen.Hightower@unt.edu.  

l  Applications are due by the first Monday in December. 

MM Audition Day Sample Schedule

9:00am – meet with current graduate students

10:00am – meet with director of choral studies

11:00am – lunch with audition panel as available

12:00pm-1:00pm – observe A Cappella Choir rehearsal

1:00pm – individual preparation time

2:00pm – auditions with Concert Choir

3:00pm-5:00pm – interviews* with audition panel in 15-20 minute slots

*The interview will include vocalizing and skills testing. Please bring an art song / aria to perform.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Video  

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.

Application Deadline 

Because our on-campus choral conducting audition dates are January 28 & 29 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, 2018. Early November is preferred.

Application Process 

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.

On-Campus Audition 

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 let you know at least a month before the audition date on January 28, 2019. The earlier we receive your materials, the earlier we can make this determination. 

Audition Process 

The student will conduct two pieces in the audition to be assigned by the Director of Choral Studies.  

Audition Panel 

Allen Hightower, Richard Sparks, Jessica Nápoles, Joshua Habermann

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l  MM and DMA students in Orchestral Conducting work 5-6 hours per week with Maestro David Itkin, focusing intensely on score study, baton technique, rehearsal technique, programming, musical interpretation and style, opera and concerto conducting, and public speaking. 

l  Graduate students also study in Symphonic Literature courses designed specifically for conductors. 

l  Students regularly work with live ensemble during conducting classes and often conduct readings and concerts with the UNT Symphony Orchestra and the UNT Concert Orchestra. 

l  Beginning in the Fall semester 2019, Prof. Itkin's advanced orchestral conducting class will work with a 36-piece chamber orchestra 20 sessions each semester.  These sessions with live orchestra will take place during regular class sessions, and are in addition to already scheduled concerts and readings with the two UNT College of Music Orchestras.

Begin your UNT application here: http://music.unt.edu/admissions/graduate