Graduate Conducting

The goal of the UNT graduate conducting program is to develop conductors for professional careers in performance and education through intensive study of literature and pedagogy. The rigorous and varied curriculum prepares well-rounded conductors for successful professional careers in their chosen field. Graduate Conducting Associates receive practical experience working regularly with all Wind Studies ensembles (the North Texas Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Winds, Symphonic Winds, University Band, Brass Band, and the Green Brigade Marching Band), and appear on concert programs throughout the year. Additionally, the Conducting Associates serve in an internship capacity and are integrally involved in all administrative aspects of the Wind Studies Area.

Applicants can learn more about the Wind Studies area by following this link to our website: https://music.unt.edu/windstudies/index.html or this link to our Facebook page to view our activities during the year: https://www.facebook.com/untwindstudies.

UNT graduates are competitive internationally for high-profile positions. Former students can be found teaching in secondary and collegiate institutions, as well as serving in military music roles, around the world. Information regarding the degree plans and coursework can be found at these websites:

Master of Music (Conducting): https://www.unt.edu/academics/programs/conducting-performance-masters
Doctor of Musical Arts (Conducting): https://www.unt.edu/academics/programs/conducting-performance-doctoral-degree.html

Once admitted to the College of Music, graduate students are eligible for competitive, merit-based scholarships, and teaching assistantships and fellowships. Assistantships and fellowships are awarded each spring for the following academic year. Teaching fellows may receive the opportunity to serve as an instructor of record for our Concert Winds, Symphonic Winds, University Band, and/or Fundamentals of Conducting courses. More information about scholarship opportunities can be found at this website: https://music.unt.edu/admissions/scholarships. Other financial assistance programs are outlined at the financial aid website: https://financialaid.unt.edu/.

Applicants must meet admission requirements for the Toulouse Graduate School as well as complete a successful audition within the College of Music. Applicants will only be admitted after acceptance to both Graduate Studies and the College of Music. Graduate studies requirements are outlined at the following link: https://www.unt.edu/graduate/index.html

College of Music admissions procedures can be found here: https://music.unt.edu/admissions. Audition materials are gathered and facilitated through the Acceptd Portal: https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusic.

Applicants should be prepared to submit a 20-minute video recording containing both rehearsal and performance footage (face front perspective), a resume/C.V., repertoire list, and an example of scholarly writing. The video may be any combination of length and duration clips. Regardless, your submission should be creative and represent the best display of your highest level of musicianship.

Prescreening materials are due annually on the first Monday in December at 11:59 PM CST. Applicants that successfully pass the pre-screening will receive further information about the finalist round (i.e. such details as timeframe, modality, materials to prepare).

For further information or questions related to Wind Studies at UNT and applying to the program, please contact our faculty:

Andrew Trachsel, DMA: Professor and Director of Wind Studies; Artistic Director and Conductor of the North Texas Wind Symphony. Andrew.Trachsel@unt.edu

Amy Woody, DMA: Assistant Professor of Wind Studies; Conductor of the Wind Orchestra. Amy.Woody@unt.edu

Katharine Reed, MM: Director of Athletic Bands; Conductor of the Wind Ensemble. Katharine.Reed@unt.edu