Orchestral Conducting

Baylor’s orchestral conducting studies, led by Miguel Harth-Bedoya, aims to educate solid and inspiring conductors and music leaders, that will be at the service of music, musicians, orchestras, and organizations and communities that love music. 

Baylor offers undergraduate and graduate studies in orchestral conducting.

The orchestral conducting program at Baylor is substantial and thorough in studies and performance, and it is structured as a studio of 4 to 6 students, total. The repertoire covered includes orchestral works from all periods including concertos, symphonic-choral works, and operas. In partnership with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and Waco Symphony Orchestra, conducting students can attend their rehearsals.

The Master of Music in orchestral conducting focuses on the study of orchestral, symphonic-choral, and operatic repertoire and its application from the podium. The required conducting portion of the curriculum includes the advanced classes in choral, wind band and orchestra conducting taught by the major ensemble conductors in those areas, a course in Symphonic Literature, studio sessions and a final Practicum with at least 30 minutes of public performance with an orchestral ensemble and a written document on an agreed upon subject that reflects the work (including research and score preparation) done for the Practicum. 

Anyone entering the master’s degree in orchestral conducting should have great musical talent and a solid foundation in musical knowledge, aural and keyboard skills, and score analysis appropriate for the study and interpretation of such works.

Prospective applicants for graduate studies are asked to submit a video demonstrating their musicianship performing on an instrument or voice and conducting footage of themselves rehearsing and performing (camera from the orchestra’s perspective). From that initial screening, following an online interview, finalists are invited to campus to take an assessment exam, to interview with the conducting faculty, and to audition with the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, 

For more information, including undergraduate studies in orchestral conducting, please email Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Mary Franks Thompson Chair for Director of Orchestral Studies, and Music Director, Baylor Symphony Orchestra, at miguel_harth-bedoya@baylor.edu.