The graduate wind conducting program at the University of South Carolina provides a varied, intense, and tailor-made course of study to help each student achieve their unique musical goals. As part of an active, energetic, and highly organized team, graduate students receive instruction in gesture, rehearsal technique, literature, and history, and develop administrative and instructional skills through work with a wide variety of ensembles. The faculty work collaboratively to offer maximum opportunities for each student’s development. Graduate students encounter a genuinely collegial environment within their cohort and across disciplines in the School of Music.
Interested students should contact Dr. Cannon to arrange a phone or video meeting to discuss the program. Campus visits are welcome anytime and can be arranged with Dr. Cannon.
Interested students should have some familiarity with most of the repertoire listed here.
Degree requirements for the Master of Music in conducting can be found here.
Degree requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in conducting can be found here.
For application requirements, click here.
Send audition videos to Traci Hair, graduate coordinator.
Note: the prescreening video submission deadline of December 15. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and selected candidates will be contacted in late December or early January to arrange an on-campus audition. Specific repertoire will be assigned at that time. On-campus auditions are held in mid-late February each year, and last one day. A typical audition day includes an interview with the band faculty, facilities tour, wind literature diagnostic exam, lunch with current graduate students, rehearsal/audition with the USC Wind Ensemble, and final wrap-up/individual conducting coaching.
Graduate conducting students who serve as graduate teaching assistants receive a full tuition waiver covering up to 9 hours each semester, and pay in-state tuition for any additional hours. Graduate assistants are also eligible for health insurance provided by USC and receive a stipend.
Contact Dr. Cannon for more details.
Cormac Cannon is Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina, where he conducts the University of South Carolina Wind Ensemble, guides the graduate wind conducting program, and oversees all aspects of the band program.
Jay Jacobs is Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina, where he is the director of The Carolina Band, conducts the Symphonic Winds and teaches courses within the School of Music.
Quintus F. Wrighten, Jr. is the Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina. In addition to conducting the University Bands, he teaches courses in conducting and band methods, supervises student teachers, co-directs the basketball bands, and coordinates the volleyball band.