Ronalld,

 

Go for it!  Until you apply you won't know whether you will be accepted.  In applying, emphasize your experience and how you want to use this as a springboard into graduate studies where you can strengthen and expand your

skills.  Mentioning areas that you particulalry want to strengthen would be helpful as well.

 

  I repeat, "Go for it"!

 

All the best,

 

Myron

 

Myron Patterson. DSM, ARCCO(CHM), ATCL, LTCL

Adjunct Associate Professor of Music

School of Music

University of Utah

 

Ronald:  Not naive at all, but you're correct that none of us can actually answer your question.  And I agree completely with Myron.  But every grad program will have its own criteria and every entering class will have its own mix of experienced and inexperienced people.  You already have more conducting credits than most performance majors!

 

You don't say whether you're about to graduate.  If so, then your experience is what it is and you should go ahead and apply.  (To more than one program, obviously!)  If you have one more year to go, the two areas I can see your attempting to get more experience would be (a) actual conducting classes or private lessons, which will look very good on your transcript, and (b) additional keyboard skills as far as you can carry them.

 

When I applied to grad school in choral conducting I had had basically zero choral conducting experience, but I was not exactly a "normal" grad school applicant.  It took me 12 years to finish my BA in Music, while simultaneously following a career in entertainment and arranging full time.  But more importantly, I was known to a couple of decision makers and had worked with them informally, and they seemed inclined to take a chance on me. 

 

Something else you don't mention is what your career goals are.  If they include teaching, you're probably behind already by not getting your degree and certification in music ed.  And some Masters programs are specifically aimed at improving teachers rather than preparing professional conductors, so you need to ask about that.  Church choir work takes a less formalized preparation, if that's in your plans.  Professional conducting is difficult to break into, but you'll be judged by what you can do rather than what's on your transcript.  And college conducting tends to require going through to a doctorate.  I'm sure none of this is news to you, but it's something you need to consider.

All the best,

John

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to get into a great program.  You seem to be pursuing opportunities, you seem to have a passion for it, and I know that many graduate schools want someone who is willing to learn and do whatever they can to improve and succeed.  Keep pursuing opportunities to conduct and don't let anybody tell you not to apply.  There is no harm in trying.