Ensembles: Choral
2006-2007 Information for Prospective Graduate Choral Conductors
Music (offered during the Fall semester) during their first semester of classes. The student's work in MUS830 and master's coursework are then used by the guidance coursework are then used by the guidance committee to structure the program of study. Music history courses for master's students will be determined with the approval of the major professor.
Auditioning
Prospective graduate students should contact Dr. David Rayl immediately (rayld@msu.edu). Any student interested in auditioning must first send a video (10 to 15 minutes) of either a rehearsal or a performance with a choral ensemble (preferably showing a front view of the applicant) and an audio recording of one's singing. These materials must be received by January 1. Please mail them to:
College of Music Admissions Office
102 Music Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48864
After screening the tapes and examining other application materials, the choral faculty will invite prospective students to campus for an audition and interview. Auditions will be held only on the following days: February 23, 24, 28; March 1, 2, 3. Please note that a complete application file is required for an invitation to audition.
The audition will consist of a 15- to 20- minute rehearsal with one of the MSU choral ensembles. DMA auditionees will be prepared to conduct Mozart's Regina coeli, K. 276, and Duruflé's Ubi caritas. MM auditionees will conduct only the Mozart Regina coeli. Each auditionee will sing two or three solo works demonstrating his/her vocal ability. A brief ear-training test and a keyboard skills assessment will be administered (MM's and DMA's) as well as a choral literature exam (DMA's only)
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Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships
There are three types of funding available to graduate students in choral conducting. Under most circumstances, any student accepted into the graduate program in conducting will receive ONE of the following:
- Regular College of Music TAs (.25 FTE), are usually reserved for doctoral students and require approximately 10 hours of work per week. Compensation is approximately $5,500 per year plus 9 credits of free tuition each semester, the opportunity to participate in the University's group health insurance plan, and the opportunity to have on-campus parking (for a monthly fee).
- "Church" TAs require the student to obtain a music director position at an area church with a salary of at least $11,500 per year. The salary is paid to the College of Music and the student receives a .25 FTE TA appointment with the same compensation listed above. In cases in which the compensation is less than $11,500, scholarship funds from the MSU Choral Society are available to make up the difference.
- TA appointments may be available in other areas of the College of Music or even other units in the University.
- Substantial scholarship money is also available, especially to assist master's students who may not qualify for a TA. In most cases, scholarship awards will be in an amount sufficient to pay for at least 6 credit hours per semester.
Additional scholarships and fellowships are available. Please visit our website at:
www.music.msu.edu/admissio/scholars.html.
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Choral Conducting Faculty Biographies
David Rayl is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. Prior to his MSU appointment, he held a similar position at the University of Missouri-Columbia for 12 years. Under his direction the MU University Singers sang at the national ACDA convention (1995), the 27th annual Florilège Vocal in Tours, France (1998) and the international music festival Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (2000). Under his direction the University Chorale has sung for the national meeting of the College Music Society (2002) and has appeared three times with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Handel Messiah, 2002, 2004; Mozart Requiem, 2003). Rayl's recent guest appearances include the national convention of the Associação Brasile ira de Regentes de Coros in Goiania, Brazil, the Nebraska High School All-State Choir, and the Wisconsin All-Collegiate Choir.
Jonathan Reed is Associate Professor of Music and Associate Director of Choral Activities. Under his direction the MSU Men's Glee Club has completed three European tours and appeared at two national ACDA conventions (1999, 2001). In 2003, the Men's Glee Club was one of only two American choirs invited to participate in America Cantat IV in Mexico City. As the former ACDA National R & S Chair for Male Chorus and a board member of Intercollegiate Male Choruses, Inc., he is recognized across America for his leadership in men's choral music. In the past year he conducted all-state and honor choruses in Texas, Indiana, Missouri, and at ACDA's Northwest Division Convention. In 1999, the Associated Students of Michigan State University presented him with "Outstanding Faculty Award."
Sandra Snow was appointed Associate Professor of Music with appointments in conducting and music education. She conducts the MSU Women's Chamber Ensemble, teaches conducting, and is involved in graduate and undergraduate teacher training. Known throughout North America for her work as conductor and clinician, her upcoming appearances include the Northwest MENC High School Women's Choir, interest sessions for the national ACDA convention, Texas Choral Director's Association Middle School Honor Choir, Wisconsin ACDA Children's Honor Choir, North Carolina All State High School Choir, and the Maryland/Virginia/Delaware ACDA Summer Conference. Snow is editor for the In High Voice choral series by Boosey & Hawkes and is co-authoring a choral pedagogy textbook.
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