M.M. in Choral Conducting

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications:

• A completed bachelor's degree: Prospective postgraduate students must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Typically, this should be a four-year undergraduate degree.

• Minimum GPA: Rider University often requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent. 

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An overall band score of 6.5 or higher is commonly required, with no individual band score below 6.0.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: A minimum total score of 79 is required.

• DET (Duolingo English Test): Rider University accept a DET score of 100 or higher as evidence of English proficiency.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A PTE score of 53 or higher is accepted.

Rider University offers various scholarship opportunities to international students to help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the United States. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and other criteria. 

1. Global Leaders Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is designed for international undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: International transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be eligible for this scholarship. It recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance.

3. Presidential Scholarships: Rider University awards Presidential Scholarships to top-performing international undergraduate students. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide substantial financial support.

4. Dean's Scholarship: Dean's Scholarships are available to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record. The scholarship amount varies based on academic qualifications.

5. International Achievement Award: This scholarship acknowledges the accomplishments of international undergraduate students. It is based on a combination of academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

6. Graduate Assistantships: Rider University offers graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's degrees. These assistantships provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for work on campus.

7. Talent Scholarships: Rider provides talent-based scholarships for students with exceptional abilities in areas such as the arts, music, and athletics. International students with exceptional talents can apply for these scholarships.

8. Honors Program Scholarships: Students accepted into Rider's Honors Program may be eligible for additional scholarships, which recognize outstanding academic achievement and commitment to intellectual growth.

9. Corporate and Foundation Scholarships: Rider University has partnerships with various corporations and foundations that offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria.

10. Study Abroad Scholarships: Rider encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in another country as part of their academic experience.

It's important for international students to review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.

Rider University offers a prestigious Master of Music (M.M.) in Choral Conducting program. Graduates of Rider University's M.M. program in Choral Conducting are well-prepared for a range of enriching and impactful career opportunities in the field of choral music.  

1. Choral Director: Many graduates aspire to become choral directors. They lead and conduct choral ensembles, including choirs in schools, colleges, churches, and community organizations.

2. Music Educator: M.M. graduates can pursue teaching careers as music educators, working in K-12 schools or higher education institutions. They may teach choral music, music theory, or music appreciation.

3. Conductor of Community Choirs: Some graduates may conduct community-based choirs, bringing together singers from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to create music that enriches their local communities.

4. Church Music Director: Graduates interested in sacred music often serve as church music directors, overseeing choral and worship music programs in religious institutions.

5. Vocal Coach: Vocal coaching is another option for M.M. graduates. They work with individual singers or groups to improve vocal techniques, diction, and musical interpretation.

6. Music Arranger: Graduates skilled in music arranging may find work as arrangers, adapting and creating choral arrangements for various musical compositions.

7. Music Ministry: Some graduates may choose to work in music ministry, combining their musical talents with a religious vocation by leading church choirs and facilitating worship music.

8. Choral Composer: Those with a passion for composition may pursue careers as choral composers, creating original choral music for performances and recordings.

9. Choral Clinician: Choral clinicians lead workshops and clinics for choral singers, offering guidance on vocal technique, interpretation, and ensemble performance.

10. Artistic Director: Artistic directors oversee the artistic vision and programming of choral organizations, shaping the repertoire and performances of choirs.

11. Music Festival Director: Graduates with experience in choral conducting may direct or organize music festivals, bringing together choral groups for performances and competitions.

12. Recording Artist/Producer: Some M.M. graduates become recording artists or producers, recording choral music albums and contributing to the music recording industry.

13. Music Administrator: Graduates with strong organizational skills may work in music administration, managing choral programs, festivals, or music organizations.

14. Music Researcher: For those interested in academia, careers in music research involve conducting scholarly research on choral music history, theory, or pedagogy.

15. Guest Conductor: Graduates may serve as guest conductors for choral festivals, competitions, and special events, working with different choirs and expanding their professional network.

16. Choral Accompanist: Some graduates work as accompanists for choirs, providing piano or instrumental support during rehearsals and performances.

17. Music Publisher: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit may start their music publishing businesses, specializing in choral music publications.

18. Music Therapist: Music therapists use music as a therapeutic tool to help individuals with various needs, including those with developmental disabilities or mental health challenges.

19. Arts Administrator: Arts administration roles involve managing arts organizations, such as choral societies or performing arts centers, overseeing budgets, marketing, and logistics.

20. Choral Collaborator: Graduates often collaborate with other musicians, composers, and artists, contributing their expertise to interdisciplinary artistic projects.