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Music Conducting

The Master of Arts in Conducting degree offers qualified students the opportunity to work with advanced ensembles and study one-on-one with experienced faculty to advance your conducting and leadership skills.

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Music Conducting

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
32 Total, 32 in Major
Careers
Directors, Composers, Drama,, Postsecondary
Music Conducting students at EIU

Why Study Music Conducting at EIU?

  • Refine and enhance your conducting gestures and methodology
  • Expand your knowledge of repertoire and musical interpretation
  • Increase your command of musicianship and rehearsal techiniques
  • Prepare for doctoral study in music
"I really enjoy the environment that exists in the music building. Rather than a spirit of competitiveness, the students really support and uplift each other."
Jemma Allen
Class of 2025, Vocal Performance & Vocal Music Education
Jemma Allen, Vocal Performance & Vocal Music Education at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Work with university ensembles
  • Individualized curriculum with conducting faculty
  • Prepare a portfolio of live performances
  • Assist with concert production
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Hands-On Experience, Music Conducting students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Master of Arts in Music: Conducting Concentration allows focused study in a primary area of conducting (instrumental, orchestral, or choral) and is intended for those who wish to improve their conducting technique and rehearsal skills for use in the public schools or to prepared for continued work at the doctoral level. Students in this program are given ample time to conduct EIU ensembles under the guidance of conducting faculty.

View in Catalog
$80,190
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Music Directors & Composers
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Artistic

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,160 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 16% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
16% of lifetime limit

$16,160 total, just 16% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Jamie Ryan, Graduate Coordinator
Professor of Percussion
jvryan@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts Center 1660
217-581-2249
Dr. Jamie Ryan, Graduate Coordinator Message Dr. Ryan

Message Dr. Ryan

or email jvryan@eiu.edu directly
Alicia Neal
Director of Bands, Professor of Music
amneal2@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2249
Alicia Neal Message Alicia

Message Alicia

or email amneal2@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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