M.M. in Orchestral Conducting

Entry Requirements For Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 50

Academic Requirements:

1. Minimum Bachelor's Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate programs, international students must have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

2. Academic Performance: The university requires a minimum academic performance of 60% or equivalent in the applicant's prior academic coursework.  

English Language Proficiency:  

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6 is required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): The minimum required score is 80.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A score of 110 or higher on the DET is accepted.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 58 on the PTE is required.

The University of Hartford in the USA offers various scholarships and financial aid options to international students to help ease the cost of education. These scholarships are awarded based on factors such as academic merit, talents, and financial need. 

1. International Student Scholarships: The University of Hartford offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement and are renewable for up to four years. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the student's academic qualifications.

2. Talent-Based Scholarships: International students with exceptional talents in areas such as the arts, music, or athletics may be eligible for talent-based scholarships. These scholarships recognize and reward students for their outstanding abilities.

3. Graduate Assistantships: For international students pursuing graduate studies, there are opportunities for graduate assistantships. These positions may involve research, teaching, or administrative work and often include a stipend and tuition remission.

4. Honor Scholarships: The university offers competitive honor scholarships to academically high-achieving undergraduate students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

5. Diversity Scholarships: Some scholarships are awarded to students who contribute to the diversity of the university's student body. These scholarships are aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds and often require an application and essay.

6. Alumni Legacy Scholarships: Children of University of Hartford alumni may be eligible for legacy scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support the next generation of students in their educational journey.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at the university offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships are based on academic performance within a particular discipline.

8. Need-Based Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, international students can apply for need-based financial aid. This may include grants and loans, and eligibility is determined by the student's financial circumstances.

9. External Scholarships: The University of Hartford assists international students in finding external scholarships, which are scholarships offered by organizations, foundations, or governments outside of the university.

10. Global Ambassador Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for international students who have been designated as Global Ambassadors. Global Ambassadors play a crucial role in helping new international students transition to life at the university.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines can change from year to year.

The University of Hartford's Master of Music (M.M.) in Orchestral Conducting program is a prestigious and career-focused initiative designed to train and develop future orchestral conductors. This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to lead orchestras and ensembles and opens up a world of exciting career prospects.  

1. Orchestral Conductor: Many graduates of the M.M. in Orchestral Conducting program pursue careers as orchestral conductors. They lead orchestras, shaping interpretations of classical and contemporary compositions, and conducting performances in various settings, from concert halls to opera houses.

2. Symphony Orchestra Director: Graduates may take on roles as directors of symphony orchestras, overseeing all aspects of orchestra operations, from repertoire selection and rehearsal scheduling to managing administrative and budgetary matters.

3. Chamber Ensemble Conductor: Some graduates specialize in conducting chamber ensembles, leading smaller groups of musicians, such as string quartets, wind ensembles, or brass quintets. They focus on creating intimate and nuanced musical experiences.

4. Opera Conductor: For those interested in opera, careers as opera conductors are an option. They guide opera productions, working closely with singers, musicians, and directors to ensure seamless and emotionally resonant performances.

5. Music Director: Graduates can become music directors for choral ensembles, community orchestras, or youth orchestras. They plan and conduct rehearsals and performances, inspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels.

6. Educator: Some graduates choose to teach conducting at universities, conservatories, or music schools, passing on their expertise to the next generation of conductors.

7. Composer and Arranger: Graduates with a passion for composition and arrangement can create original compositions and arrangements for orchestras and ensembles, contributing to the world of classical and contemporary music.

8. Guest Conductor: Many conductors work as guest conductors, leading orchestras and ensembles for specific performances or projects. This allows for a diverse and dynamic career, collaborating with various musical groups.

9. Artistic Director: Some graduates become artistic directors for music festivals, concert series, or cultural organizations, curating and directing musical programming.

10. Research and Scholarship: The program encourages graduates to engage in research and scholarship related to orchestral conducting, contributing to the academic understanding of the discipline.

11. Performance Coach: Conductors can offer performance coaching services, helping musicians and ensembles refine their interpretive and technical skills.