Graduate Students

Graduate Requirements and General Information

To be considered for admission to the graduate wind conducting program all applicants must:

Meet the University of Oklahoma Graduate College entrance requirements through the Office of Admissions (gradweb.ou.edu).
Meet the School of Music admission requirements by March 1 and submit materials under items 2 and 3 to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music:
- resume/vita that lists your work experience and significant accomplishments in the profession
- three recent recommendations from professionals qualified to comment on your professional and personal qualities as well as the ability to succeed in graduate school.
- transcripts of all college work (copies are acceptable).
- submit an Application for Graduate Assistantships.
Meet Wind Conducting Degree entrance requirements:
- Two years secondary school or equivalent conducting/teaching experience.
- A 20 minute video sample of teaching and conducting.
- Complete a live audition with the University of Oklahoma Wind Symphony or Symphony Band that demonstrates acquired and potential skill as a conductor and teacher.

Graduate Conducting Auditions

In addition to applying for admission, interested graduate students should submit the following:

Curriculum Vita
Recent sample of teaching and performance with current performing ensemble in digital format (20 minutes in length)

Send materials to: Dr. William K. Wakefield, 500 West Boyd, Suite 116, Norman, OK 73019.

Prospective students who meet the criteria for entrance to the Graduate College and School of Music are reviewed by the band conducting faculty and selectively invited to audition for the wind conducting program on the basis of submitted materials for Wind Conducting Program in the School of Music.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

The University of Oklahoma School of Music, Department of Bands offers .50 Graduate Teaching Assistantships beginning the fall of each year for students pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts or Master of Music degree in conducting. Graduate students are integrated into all aspects of the University Band program to create opportunities for professional and personal development. Conducting students work in a team environment with the band faculty, staff, student workers and other graduate students.

Graduate conducting students have opportunities to:

Guest conduct the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Concert Band.
Assist with Marching Band rehearsals and section rehearsals.
Create and teach drill for the Pride of Oklahoma.
Rehearse and conduct various Pep Bands (football, basketball, special events).
Perform administrative duties with band program, camps, festivals and clinics.
Team teach in a nationally innovative music education curriculum by coaching undergraduate music education majors in teaching and conducting classroom activities.
Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a 9-month stipend plus a basic health insurance plan. Qualifying (.50) Graduate Assistants receive partial but substantial tuition assistance. Additional compensation in the summer may be available in a summer work program that includes assistance with camps and clinics. Positions are contingent on budget funding.