masters degree in wind conducting (M.M.)
Conducting Opportunities
The Wind Studies area is comprised of four major ensembles – Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band, and the Minuteman Marching Band. Other related ensembles include Hoop Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Brass Choir (among others). Wind Conducting majors are assigned to, and consistently conduct, Wind Ensemble and/or Symphony Band, but opportunities to work with other performance groups may be arranged depending on interest and ability. UMass ensembles provide outstanding opportunities for conducting in rehearsal and concert.
Qualifications
Earned Bachelor’s Degree in music and admission to the Master of Music program is required. Teaching experience preferred.
Financial Support
The Masters Program 10-hour assistantship offers monetary compensation up to $36,000 per year, which includes: full tuition waiver, waiver of most university fees, waiver of most health insurance fees, and work stipend.
Application Materials and Deadline
To apply, please send a link to a Youtube channel or 15-minute file of rehearsal and performance footage (camera to face of conductor); a representative list of repertoire conducted; a one-page philosophy of music education or writing sample; a current professional CV including reference contact information.
All materials should be received no later than January 1, 2024. Selected candidates will be invited for an on-site audition in February 2024. *Acceptance into any Music Department Graduate program requires academic acceptance by the university as well as acceptance by the Music Department.
Please submit online to mwestgate@music.umass.edu, or send materials to:
Dr. Matthew Westgate
Department of Music and Dance
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
151 Presidents Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
Jared Bloch (‘19), graduate conductor
Questions about the Graduate school:
Graduate Program Director
Professor Erinn E. Knyt
(413) 545-1247
366 Fine Arts Center
Questions about the Masters Conducting Program:
Director of Wind Studies
Dr. Matthew Westgate
Phone: 413-545-6056
email: mwestgate@music.umass.edu
WHERE ARE GRADUATES?
2025: Miles Anglin - TBA!
2024: Richard Sargent - TBA!
2023: Madeline Wight - Music Teacher, Thai-Chinese International School (Bangkok, Thailand)
2022: Samantha Franziosa - Director of Bands, Chicopee High School (Chicopee, MA)
2020: Jose Ignacio Blesa Lull, conductor, Banda Sinfónica de la Sociedad Musical La Paz de Siete Aquas (Valencia, SPAIN)
2020: James Minnix, Director of Bands, Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT)
2019: Jared Bloch, Director of Bands, Wachusett Regional High School (Wachusett, MA)
2018: Matthew Sypek, Director of Bands, Greenfield High School (Greenfield, MA)
2017: David Morris, Director of Bands, Minnechaug Regional High School (Wilbraham, MA); Conductor, Youth Wind Ensemble of Springfield (Springfield, MA)
2016: Colby Vasquez, Director of Bands/Performing Arts Department Chair, William C. Overfelt High School (San Jose, CA)
2015: James Shetler, Music Teacher, Narragansett Regional High School (Templeton, MA)
2014: Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands, St. Ambrose University (Davenport, IA) (*student of James Patrick Miller)
2013: Charlie O'Brien, Director of Bands, Tomah Regional High School (Tomah, WI) (*student of James Patrick Miller)
2012: Justin Falvo, Director of Bands, Sutton High School (Sutton, MA) (*student of James Patrick Miller)
2011: Dr. Brian Messier, Director of Bands, Dartmouth College, Founder and Artistic Director of The Valley Winds (*student of James Patrick Miller)