Conducting Overview
Join a small, tightly knit cohort of graduate conductors closely supervised by a large, distinguished faculty of professional conductors. U of T Conducting is a performance-intensive, graduate-focused study area. Students receive significant individual attention while developing extensive podium experience.
Take Up the Baton
The Music Faculty’s large body of undergraduate music performance programs provides graduate student conductors with many opportunities to conduct a variety of undergraduate ensembles and serve as rehearsal assistants in undergraduate band, choir, and orchestra courses. As part of their formal program, Conducting students are required to give recitals, which are videotaped for later student reference.
Programs
Find Your Path
U of T Conducting offers students three areas of specialization, each led by a specially appointed faculty member. Students may choose to conduct full-scale orchestras, bands (including Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony), or choirs varying from large and dramatic (MacMillan Singers) to small and intimate (Soprano/Alto Chorus). They also have options to collaborate with undergraduate and graduate Composition students in the performance of new, contemporary chamber pieces.
Experience a Music City
Studying conducting at the heart of a major North American centre of music culture comes with significant advantages. Students have access to performances by great conductors leading orchestras, ensembles, and choirs of international reputation. They also have opportunities to accept paid professional work from churches and community groups and start professional bands or choirs of their own. Many of Toronto’s current performance staples were started by U of T student conductors. Students graduate having established valuable professional networks.
Upcoming Events
Have a question?
Contact our Associate Dean, Performance & Public Events for more information about our Conducting area and programs.