For musicians who thrive on taking ownership of the creative process and working closely with people, a graduate degree in music conducting from PSU School of Music will set you on the path to a career as a trained specialist. Our program will offer you a strong foundation in music literature, research methods, and orchestration, music theory, music history, and arranging. Our curriculum will give you hands-on experience participating in and leading our ensembles, choirs, and orchestra and rigorous instruction in advanced conducting, including repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Our students are encouraged to become leaders on and off-campus and are connected to dedicated faculty with close mentorships. Most of our alumni go on to pursue a doctorate or a career as a professional conductor or educator. Related careers include: arranger and artistic or musical director. Recent graduates have earned positions as music directors of ensembles throughout the region and in the U.S. and Canada including Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Youth Choirs, and Chor Leoni. Others have earned positions in education or sacred music throughout the region including St. Mary's Catholic School, Lincoln High School, Portland's First Congregational Church, Rose City Park Presbyterian Church, and many others.