In order to determine the main components of doctoral choral conducting auditions at selected universities throughout the United States the author conducted a survey of established degree programs_ The purpose of the study was to identify a standard that might emerge. Of particular interest was the nature of aural-skills tests as utilized by the various schools. The author sought information because of involvement with a newly established D.M.A. program where guidelines were being developed. Furthermore, it seemed likely that a synthesis of information about choral conducting auditions at the doctoral level might interest other universities’ faculty as well as prospective conducting students preparing for auditions.
Using the NASM Directory, I selected schools that offered or had pending a D.M.A. in one of the following: choral conducting, choral music, conducting, performance literature, and literature and performance of choral music. Schools listing a D.M.A. in performance without specific reference to conducting or to choral music were not contacted. After compiling a list of universities, I sent a copy of a questionnaire and cover letter explaining the nature of the project to each university. The total response rate of 76.4 % should be considered to be high for this type of survey.
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