Conducting (Orchestral or Wind Band)
- Master of Music
Instrumental Conducting
The Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting offers students an intensive, focused study in their performance specialty, combined with a vigorous and balanced curriculum in music theory, music literature, and electives. Graduate conductors are mentored closely by outstanding faculty and are expected to exhibit mastery of their specialty at the end of the course of study by way of appropriate capstone experiences; including recitals and comprehensive examinations. Students will focus on four key skills: score study, rehearsal techniques, repertoire selection, and artistic leadership. Graduate conductors are strongly encouraged to develop well-rounded skills through working with all performance areas: winds, strings, percussion, and voice. Students have access to private lessons with the entire conducting faculty and are encouraged to perform with multiple ensembles during their time at USF.
Performance Specialty: Wind Band Conducting
Graduate conductors who receive an assistantship with the USF Bands will work with all areas of the university’s bands; including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Bands, “Herd of Thunder” Marching Band, and “Rumble” Pep Band. They will be involved in practically all musical, creative, and logistical operations of the comprehensive program. Students on assistantship will receive podium time each semester with a major ensemble. Students who are not on assistantship will be provided with the opportunity to work with the Concert Bands, as well as take all of the offered conducting courses and private lessons with our faculty.
Performance Specialty: Orchestral Conducting
Students who pursue the masters with an emphasis in orchestral conducting will embark on an intensive personal curriculum of score study and analysis, enhancing gestural development, and expanding depth of knowledge of repertoire through weekly private lessons and group seminars. All graduate students will have multiple occasions to conduct the University of South Florida Symphony Orchestra in a conducting symposium setting, with Graduate Assistants often preparing works for concert performances as well. Graduate Assistants are also offered the opportunity to intern with the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, which is in residence at the USF School of Music. All orchestral graduate students are strongly encouraged to organize, prepare, and perform multiple chamber music recitals, as well as to conduct works in association with the USF Composition Department.
It is expected that graduate students will actively perform in major ensembles on their primary instrument during their course of study.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to study music at the University of South Florida is the opportunity to work with our superb music faculty. These gifted, dedicated artists/scholars are among the preeminent leaders in their fields and have been carefully chosen for their professional training, excellence in musical performance and research, and pedagogical expertise. They are featured on many professional recordings and appear in prestigious concert venues around the world. Their compositions are premiered globally. Their scholarship is published in the leading research journals, books, and monographs in their disciplines.
Graduates of the Masters Degree in Instrumental Conducting are currently embarking on outstanding careers in music. Our alumni are leading successful music programs at major universities, arts magnet programs, and public schools throughout Florida and the nation. USF Conducting graduates have been accepted into some of the country’s most prestigious doctoral programs including the University of Michigan, the University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, and the University of Miami, among others.
Conducting Faculty
Dr. Tina DiMeglio, Associate Director of Bands
Phone: (813) 974-2311 | tdimeglio@usf.edu
Allyssa Jones, Director of Vocal Ensembles
Phone: (813) 974-2311 | allyssaj@usf.edu
Dr. Matthew McCutchen, Director of Bands
Phone: (813) 974-2311 | mccutchen@usf.edu
Dr. William Wiedrich, Director of Orchestral Studies
Phone (813) 974-2311 | wiedrich@usf.edu