Recent classical guitar alums Kevin Loh ‘25 and Chandler Dillingham ‘25 have taken the next steps in their careers by returning to teach at their alma mater. Loh and Dillingham both discovered a passion for music education while studying under mentor René Izquierdo. “It’s a great honor for any teacher …
Music Conducting, MM MM
Your background in music combined with our dynamic Master of Music conducting program sets the stage for a successful future in choral, orchestral or wind-band conducting. And because our faculty are experienced conductors and educators, you’ll work alongside people who are passionate about teaching and helping you grow in the profession.
The Master of Music with a concentration in conducting is ideal for people like you who have already earned an undergraduate degree in music education or performance and who wish to pursue advanced training in conducting. We offer two areas of emphasis: choral conducting and instrumental conducting. Plus, our curriculum offers flexibility to expand into related studies in music performance or other allied areas.
Program Type
Master’s
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to be a Master of Music Conducting student at Peck School of the Arts
When you study music conducting at UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, you’ll join a supportive and collaborative community of artists. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including performance venues, practice rooms and recording studios. In addition to performing as soloists and in ensembles, you’ll have many opportunities to attend concerts, master classes and workshops led by world-renowned musicians and scholars. Through our strong partnerships with performance organizations in Milwaukee and the surrounding region, you’ll expand your horizons and your professional network along the way.
But don’t take our word for it. Experience for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a personalized tour with one of our music graduate program coordinators.
Master of Music Conducting Details
The Master of Music Conducting program at UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts is a comprehensive program that prepares you to become a conductor. Our program consists of coursework in conducting, music history and theory with separate emphasis areas in choral and instrumental conducting. Both emphasis areas provide opportunities for practical experience through ensemble leadership and conducting opportunities.
Studios & Ensembles
Our studios and ensembles are led by our renowned artist faculty who have active professional careers. Studios and ensembles are structured to offer a wide variety of training and performance opportunities for musicians of various abilities. Whatever your level of skill and interest, you’ll benefit from our studios and ensembles.
Entrance Auditions/Interviews & Admission
Peck School of the Arts degree programs may require additional steps to enter. For most dance, music and theatre programs, applicants must first be accepted to UWM, apply to Peck School of the Arts and complete entrance requirements such as an audition and/or interview.
Scholarships & Aid
UW-Milwaukee and Peck School of the Arts offers a variety of cost-saving opportunities, including scholarships, grants, fellowships and residency-based tuition rates. Learn more about scholarship and aid opportunities available to you.
Graduate Assistantships
Students may be eligible to receive funding support and tuition remission through graduate assistantships. Approximately half of our students receive a teaching assistantship, which includes full tuition remission, stipend and benefits eligibility. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll have varying assistantship responsibilities depending on degree, instrument, and experience.
Music Graduate Assistantship Responsibilities
Composition
- Studio and classroom instruction
- Assist with chamber ensemble management
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Conducting
- Serve as an assistant conductor with university ensembles
- Assist with recruitment and outreach activities
- Provide ensemble and departmental support
Guitar
- Studio, lesson and classroom instruction
- Assist with chamber ensemble management
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Music History & Literature
- Studio and classroom instruction
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Piano
- Studio and classroom instruction
- Rehearsal and performance accompaniment for choral, chamber and instrumental ensembles
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Strings
- Studio, lesson and classroom instruction
- Assist with orchestra and chamber ensemble management
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Voice
- Studio, lesson and classroom instruction
- Assist with choral, opera and vocal ensemble management
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion
- Studio, lesson and classroom instruction
- Assist with orchestra, wind band and chamber ensemble management
- Studio and departmental duties (dependent upon experience)
Music Performances
With a season packed with music concerts, you’ll have many opportunities to put your hard work on display for live audiences in our performance venues. You can also support your fellow musicians by attending their performances and broaden your musical horizons through limited engagements from visiting artists and touring acts. Learn more about venues and performing arts events.
Student Recitals
Peck School of the Arts music students take the stage in solo and group student recitals throughout the school year. Students showcase musical technique and skill, while audience members enjoy exceptional performances by Milwaukee’s emerging musicians.
Internships & Opportunities
Located within the cultural capital of Wisconsin, students regularly perform professionally both as soloists and chamber musicians in the greater Milwaukee community while earning their degree. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Music Alumni Stories
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Inspired by their mentor, classical guitar alumni return to teach at their alma mater
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Guitar students and alumni shine on international stagesThe Peck School of the Arts guitar program is recognized for its distinguished faculty and the achievements of its students and alumni. Led by internationally renowned artist René Izquierdo, the program continues to produce musicians who thrive on competitive stages around the world. We recap several summer successes from students and …
Music Careers
- Accompanist
- Acoustic Engineer
- Arranger
- Artist Management
- Arts Administrator
- Audio Software Designer & Programmer
- Audio / Visual Technician
- Broadcast Engineer
- Chamber Musician
- Clinician
- Consultant
- Collaborative Pianist
- Community Arts Organizer
- Composer
- Concert Production / Promotion
- Conductor (Band, Choral, Orchestral)
- Curator
- Diction Coach
- Early Music Performer
- Editor
- Educator / Education Director
- Ensemble Administration
- Entertainer
- Ethnomusicologist
- Event Manager
- Film / Television / Theatre / Gaming Composer
- Foley Artist
- Folk Music Performer
- Instrumental Performer
- Instrument Building / Repairing / Restoration
- Jazz Performer
- Licensing Administrator
- Luthier
- Managing Director
- Mastering Engineer
- Media Developer
- Military Bands / Orchestras
- Music Cognition (Science & Medicine)
- Music Critic / Journalist / Blogger
- Music Historian
- Music Librarian
- Music Publicist
- Music Store Owner
- Music Supervisor
- Music Therapist
- Music Theorist
- Musical Theatre Artist
- Musicologist
- Multimedia Artist
- Opera Performer
- Opera Dramaturg
- Opera Management
- Opera Prompter
- Orchestral Musician
- Outreach & Educational Programming
- Peace Corps (Teaching Music Abroad)
- Piano Tuner / Technician
- Pit Musician
- Private Studio Teacher
- Producer
- Publisher
- Radio Manager / Broadcasting
- Recitalist
- Recording Artist
- Record Label Executive
- Singer / Vocalist
- Songwriter / Lyricist
- Sound Designer / Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Stage Manager
- Suzuki Instructor
- Studio Musician
- Talent Agent / Director
- Vocal Coach
- Voice Therapist
Master of Music Conducting Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Music faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Associate Professor, Choral Conducting
- Director, Choral Activities, Concert Chorale, Kameraden
- durlam@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2869
- Music Building 165
- Associate Professor, Instrumental Conducting
- Director, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, University Community Band
- gamboa@uwm.edu
- 414-251-6182
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 348
- Assistant Professor, Choral Music Education
- Area Head, Music Education
- Director, Bella Voce
- huttonj@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8155
- Music Building 159
- Associate Professor, Instrumental Conducting
- Director, Orchestral Activities, Symphony Orchestra, University Community Orchestra
- kimjy@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6063
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 354
