Conducting

Franz Anton Krager
Director of Orchestral Conducting
David Bertman
Director of Wind Conducting
Kaitlin DeSpain
Associate Director of Choral Studies

Welcome to the Moores School of Music Conducting Division! Our graduate degree programs are designed to prepare the next generation of conductors for success. Students work with internationally renowned faculty and award-winning choral, wind , jazz and orchestral ensembles. We provide a unique experience for each student , with an emphasis on communication , cooperation and collaboration. For more information about our programs or to connect with current students, please email or call! #GoCoogs

Academic Programs

Graduate Admissions

Master of Music
The Master of Music in conducting program provides advanced training and performance experience for students pursuing a career in either Choral, Jazz, Orchestral or Wind Conducting. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in music.
Doctor of Musical Arts
The Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting provides advanced training and performance experience for students pursuing a career in conducting and prepares students to teach Choral, Jazz, Orchestral or Wind Conducting at the collegiate or professional level. Applicants must have a master’s degree in music and significant experience and success in their respective fields. Students choose between full dissertation and doctoral essay options.

Scholarships

Donate to Moores Scholarship Fund

Scholarships are available for students at all levels of study who demonstrate outstanding accomplishment and promise. For nonresident students, merit-based scholarships may make a student eligible to receive a tuition waiver. A variety of Teaching Assistantships is available for qualified graduate students.

Band Ensembles

The UH Bands include the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band, Cougar Brass Basketball Prep Band, and four concert ensembles. All ensembles offer an artistic environment to learn, grow and make life-long friends and colleagues. No matter your level of interest or major, there is a place for you in the UH Bands!

Choral Ensembles

With five large choral ensembles complemented by five student-led a cappella groups, there is a musical home at UH for every interested choral singer. UH large choral ensembles include Concert Chorale, SoundScape, ManCorps, University Men’s and Women’s Choruses. Our doctoral students enjoy partnerships with the Houston Chamber Choir and Houston Symphony.

Jazz Ensembles

The jazz department features two ensembles, Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, with an occasional Jazz Combo offering in certain semesters. The Moores School Jazz Ensembles present diverse programs of music that range from the classic swing music of “Duke“ Ellington, “Count” Basie and Thad Jones to the exploratory music of Radio Head. In addition to our concerts in the beautiful Moores Opera House, the ensembles also hosts the Moores School Jazz Festival every February. Jazz ensembles are open to all UH students by audition.

Orchestra Ensemble

With over 110 members, the Moores School Symphony Orchestra performs as a musical partner with many of our divisions and studios. The high level of its performances has been hailed by international artists and critics alike as a student ensemble of professional quality and versatility. Membership in the MSSO is open by audition to all graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Houston.

“The Moores School of Music gave me utterly invaluable hands-on 'stick time,’ close interaction with some of the finest music pedagogues anywhere, and access to one of the finest collegiate choral ensembles in the country - all in one of the most musically vibrant cities in the nation.” - Justin Smith (DMA '10) Director of Choral Activities Queens University of Charlotte