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Choral Conducting

Person conducting a chorus.

NEC’s choral conducting curriculum teaches the vital skills required of a successful, resourceful conductor, including exploration of gesture, rehearsal style and strategies, working knowledge of multiple languages, aural and theoretical musical skills, as well as knowledge of choral literature.

Key features of the program are the understanding of conducting practice in relation to the voice and vocal health, extensive podium time with the NEC choirs, and four semesters of weekly individual studio lessons.

Person conducting a chorus.
Erica Washburn coaching a conducting student on stage

Chair of Choral Conducting Erica Washburn instructs a student.

Erica Washburn

From the Department Chair

Erica Washburn coaching a conducting student on stage

Chair of Choral Conducting Erica Washburn instructs a student

Central to the core study of all ensembles, classes, and lessons that happen within the NEC Choral Conducting Department is the vocal health and education of all its singers, whether they are voice, composition, piano, or from another major within the conservatory. NEC choristers spend time focused on vocal wellness, diction, breath, and citizenship; at NEC, all our ensembles are composed of extremely talented individuals who respect and support each other in communal music-making.

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About the Program

The choral conducting curriculum at NEC addresses the vital skills required of a successful, resourceful conductor, including exploration of gesture, rehearsal style and strategies, a working knowledge of multiple languages, aural and theoretical musical skills, as well as knowledge of choral literature. Key features of the program are the understanding of conducting practice in relation to voice and vocal health, extensive podium time with the NEC choirs, and four semesters of weekly individual studio lessons.

Admission to the program is based on a screening of video submissions, followed by a possible invitation to campus for a live audition with an NEC choir, an interview, and an entrance examination.