Conducting

Degrees Available

  • Master of Music (Choral, Orchestral or Wind)
  • Doctor of Music (Choral, Orchestral or Wind)


About the Conducting Program

Collaborating and performing with outstanding performers is an important part of the conducting experience at Northwestern. Students engage in rigorous academic coursework, participate in twice weekly seminars with their principal teachers, and receive opportunities to conduct the school's major ensembles. There are 16 officially sponsored ensembles at Bienen, with each offering three major performances each academic year.

The school's close proximity to downtown Chicago allows for a wide range of musical enrichment activities for both players and conductors. Students may attend performances by such world-class organizations as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as at the Ravinia Festival and Millennium Park. Countless other cultural organizations throughout the area offer additional opportunities.

Chicago and the surrounding suburbs house many community, regional, and professional orchestras. These organizations give our conducting students the ability to gain professional
experience while studying at the Bienen School of Music. This is not only vital to the educational process, but also in establishing the contacts needed for post-graduate success.

All entering doctoral students receive the equivalent of full tuition funding.

Performing Ensembles

The Conducting faculty lead the 16 officially sponsored ensembles at Northwestern University. Each ensemble offers approximately three major performances each academic year.

Contact for further information:
Mallory Thompson, coordinator, Conducting Program: m-thompson2@northwestern.edu