<p>I'm a choral music ed major at TCU looking to apply for a M.M in Choral Conducting after graduation. However, I've heard that it is sometimes best to wait and get more field experience before applying for a conducting program. Do conservatories look down on applicants right out of college with no official work experience? Since I will be preparing an honors thesis in choral conducting my senior year and probably taking a few permitted graduate conducting classes, I feel like I will not be completely unprepared for a graduate program. Furthermore, my advisers have been encouraging me to apply for prestigious scholarships (Fullbright, Marshall) that I have to apply to fairly soon after graduation if I can remain in consideration. Does anyone have some insight into the world of graduate conducting admissions and their take on out of college newbies?
Also, I've been coming up with a list of some of the better music schools/conservatories and I welcome any input. I've heard that Westminster Choir College, Yale School of Music, and Indiana all have reputable names in choral conducting. Any other suggestions for similar programs strong in choral conducting?</p>
<p>Bard Conservatory offers an MM in Choral Conducting under the direction of James Bagwell, Music Director of The Collegiate Chorale and Concert Chorale of New York. It’s a relatively new program so its reputation is growing. [Bard</a> College Conservatory of Music | Graduate Conducting Program | Overview](<a href=“http://www.bard.edu/conservatory/gcp/]Bard”>Graduate Conducting Program)</p>