Graduate Conducting | Music | School of the Arts

Key features

A focus on the individual

The Master of Music in Wind Conducting program is purposely small and selective, allowing for personal attention and frequent interactions with our faculty. This apprenticeship styled program seeks to develop pedagogical and artistic growth through an orchestral approach to wind conducting in professional music settings. In addition, graduate conducting students are directly involved in administrative, professional and entrepreneurial undertakings within our comprehensive band program. Graduate students are directly involved with all aspects of a team environment with our University Bands faculty and staff.

Abundant podium time

Our graduate students conduct at least one significant work per semester with the Nevada Wind Ensemble and two to three works per semester with the Nevada Concert Winds. Frequent opportunities for cover conducting occur throughout the year and in the third semester, students coordinate and conduct their own ad hoc chamber ensemble. Rehearsals are often used as opportunities for conducting and coaching, and video review of rehearsals is often incorporated into lessons. Plus, students with an interest in athletic band are offered teaching and drill writing opportunities.

Spotlight: Trevor Bailey

MM 2016, DMA/ABD in Conducting, University of Alabama
Assistant Professor of Music/Assistant Director of Athletic Bands, Western Carolina University

"At Nevada I had numerous opportunities to lead high-level music rehearsals. The trust that was given to me by the directors meant the world to me.

"I enjoyed living in Reno. The city is fresh and exciting.

"Being in the MM program at Nevada allowed me to find the best version of myself. And, finding myself allowed me to be a better musician, thinker, non-verbal communicator and colleague. Nevada’s program put me on the road to becoming a high-level music maker."

Course of study (two year residency)

Applied Conducting (4 semesters)
Applied Choral or Orchestral Conducting (1 semester)
Conducting Seminar (3 semesters)
Applied Instrument Study (2 semesters)
Ensemble Participation (4 semesters)
Music History (2 semesters)
Music Theory (1 semester)
Graduate Seminar in Music (2 semesters)

Applied conducting study

An orchestral approach to wind ensemble conducting and performing instruction delivered through coaching with ensembles and in applied lessons. Focus areas include:

Ear training, inner hearing and conducting technique guided by audiation
Score learning, internalization and interpretation
Podium leadership (primarily through gesture and artistic verbal feedback)
Rehearsal technique and concept of ensemble sound

Spotlight: Scott Miller

(MM 2021)
Director of Bands, Robert Morris University

"The most valuable part of the program is the time I am able to spend on the podium. I’m in front of a wind ensemble or athletic band teaching, rehearsing and conducting almost every single day. Because of the size of the MM program and the close relationship with Reed Chamberlin and Stephen Eubanks, I have access to virtually instant feedback.

"I’m treated as a professional and staff member with University of Nevada Bands. I feel like my opinion and experience is valued for the decisions made in the band program. As someone who came to this program with previous teaching experience, it is very rewarding to be valued as a professional while also learning as a student.

"I see weekly (sometimes daily) improvement in my conducting technique, rehearsal technique — and especially, artistry. These aspects are definitely the focus of this program. However, I do not feel like I am a clone of Reed Chamberlin. Instead, I feel like he brought out the most artistic conductor and teacher that I can be in a way that still feels authentically me."

Placement

Aspects of the program are tailored to the goals of the student: targeting advanced public school positions and admission into DMA programs; students are trained as conductors and have the option to be heavily involved with athletic band teaching.

Graduates have been placed in large high school programs, DMA programs (followed by college teaching positions) and within the music industry.

Spotlight: Justin Hubbard

(MM 2017, DMA in Conducting Arizona State University)
Assistant Professor of Music, Bands, Clarinet, Saxophone (Fort Lewis, CO)

"The focus on building and maintaining solid musicianship as an instrumental performer was important to me. It transferred to my growth as a conductor and musical leader and it helped me land my current job, because I was readily able to play and demonstrate my skills as an applied teacher.

"Working with Reed Chamberlin gave me an edge in preparing for the rigors of doctoral study. In a saturated market, his mentorship was an essential contribution to my successful audition, acceptance and completion of the DMA.

"My rehearsal technique became far more efficient and effective. My repertoire knowledge grew exponentially in both breadth and depth, not just in names, titles and dates. Working with Reed Chamberlin instilled in me a more thoughtful and meticulous approach to musicality and artistry than I had before joining the program."

In depth, not in debt

Compensation/assistantship

20 hour/week teaching assistant position (administrative and teaching duties across all University Bands: wind ensembles and athletic bands)
Salary of $16,000/year (10 month contract, renewable for two years)
Healthcare at no extra cost
Out-of-state tuition waiver and drastic in-state tuition reduction (tuition and fees are approximately $1,100 per semester)

Spotlight: Spencer Hannibal-Smith

(MM 2020)
Director of Operations, GPG Music/Staff Assistant, University of Nevada Bands

"Reno is a great, progressive city! There are constantly new restaurants and bars opening up. It’s also very close to Lake Tahoe and Truckee, CA which are nice weekend getaways.

"The assistantship compensation with its tuition discount is extremely competitive. It made my decision to leave my teaching position at the time quite easy. I was able to complete my MM with no student debt thanks to the assistantship compensation, tuition reduction, and a little savings.

"I matured as a musician, student, professional and person during my time at Nevada. I grew most in the areas of conducting gesture and repertoire knowledge. The uncountable hours of podium time made me a more confident and comfortable conductor. And, the wind repertoire class really opened my eyes to a much broader world of music for wind band."

How to apply

Pre-screen materials, applying and auditions

As soon as possible (December 15 deadline for priority consideration), send the following pre-screen materials via email to Reed Chamberlin:

Video links from a performance and rehearsal
Links to a recording (audio or video) of a short performance on the applicant’s principal instrument
A sample of scholarly writing
An updated CV and contact information for three professional references

Successful pre-screen candidates will be encouraged to apply to the University (February 1 deadline) and invited to campus for an interview, aural skills assessment and live conducting audition in February or early March. Review full application details.

Graduate Wind Conducting Program