Northwestern's Conducting and Ensembles Program offers master of music and doctor of music degrees in conducting, with choral, orchestra, and wind concentrations. In addition to rigorous academic coursework, graduate conducting students participate in twice weekly seminars with their principal teachers and receive opportunities to conduct the school's major ensembles. Collaborating and performing with outstanding players is an important part of the conducting experience at Northwestern.

The school's close proximity to downtown Chicago allows for a wide range of musical enrichment activities for players and conductors alike. 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.

Performing Ensembles

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