The School of Music at East Carolina University offers two Master of Music degrees that provide intensive study in choral conducting.

• The M. M. in Performance: Conducting is designed for the outstanding musician who aspires to a career as choral conductor at the high school or college level. This curriculum consists of weekly conducting seminars that focus on conducting technique and artistry from score study to the physicality of beautiful and effective conducting gesture. Graduate conductors sing in and conduct the university ensembles, take voice and/or keyboard lessons, and study choral literature in addition to a rich curriculum of upper-level theory, history, and research courses.
  
  
• The M. M. in Sacred Music: Conducting is geared for the talented and motivated musician intending to dedicate himself to a career in the religious arts. In addition to an intensive curriculum of conducting techniques, choral singing, and choral literature, this degree program includes intensive seminars and internships emphasizing the philosophy of sacred music, organ study, hymnology, organ pedagogy, the history of sacred music and other pertinent areas of knowledge. This degree program is co-advised by Dr. Bara and Dr. Janette Fishell, Distinguished Professor of Organ and Sacred Music at ECU.

Graduate Assistantships are available on a yearly basis in both conducting degree programs, and regular podium time with the University’s choral ensembles is considered an essential part of the conducting curriculum.

The ECU Summer Choral Conducting Institute opens its doors to choral music educators, church musicians, and other aspiring conductors seeking enrichment and inspiration in the areas of conducting technique and artistry. The Summer Choral Conducting Institute will offer its fourth season from June 18 through June 23, 2006. Twelve conductors will be afforded the opportunity to conduct the Institute Choir in daily master classes and twelve additional auditors will take part in interest sessions on conducting, rehearsal techniques, score study, group vocal techniques, and repertoire building. This week-long workshop is bound to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in all who take part. The Institute is available for graduate credit, and N. C. Teacher Renewal Credits.