Conducting
A program that prepares individuals to master the art of leading bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles in performance, and related music leadership. Includes instruction in score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management, and applications to specific school or professional ensembles.
- Schools offering
- 7
- Annual completions
- 3
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $44k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to master the art of leading bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles in performance, and related music leadership. Includes instruction in score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management, and applications to specific school or professional ensembles.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
| Music directors and composers | $64k | -0.3% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$44k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$37k
Bachelor's
$44k
Top colleges for Conducting
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The New School | New York, NY | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Concordia University Texas | Austin, TX | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| McMurry University | Abilene, TX | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Union University | Jackson, TN | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aquinas College | Grand Rapids, MI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Manhattan School of Music | New York, NY | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Conducting field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Conducting worth it? Read verdict