The Woodwind Doubling track will provide high-quality training for musical artists who seek a career as artist teachers in higher education.
Many advanced instrumentalists at the graduate level have expressed a desire to focus their careers on the ability to teach and play multiple instruments from the woodwind family — Whether it’s to better market themselves for a college teaching position, improve their playing for professional opportunities in either musical theater or military bands, or develop private woodwind teaching studios. Shenandoah is one of a few select music schools in the U.S. to address this need by offering both a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Woodwind Doubling.
Unique to this track is the ability for a student to develop as a woodwind specialist (flute, clarinet, saxophone). Rather than concentrating applied music study on one instrument, the student works toward major proficiency on one woodwind instrument and secondary proficiency on two others. This special program is intended for the musician who wishes to prepare for performing and teaching opportunities that require strong performance skills in, and knowledge of, the literature of more than one woodwind instrument.
Shenandoah’s MM and DMA Woodwind Doubling degree offer the student an unusual opportunity to combine individual applied study with world-renowned instrumental faculty, the opportunity to collaborate with one of the top-ranked musical theater programs in the United States, and geographic proximity to Washington DC’s vibrant musical theater professional community.
Classes
Shenandoah Conservatory faculty are recognized in the United States and beyond as renowned performers and pedagogues. Students benefit from intimate class seminars, an innovative curriculum, engaged faculty and highly networked artist-teachers.
Graduates Will:
- Perform at a level commensurate with a national or international performance career
- Develop skills necessary to function effectively as a university-level teacher
- Develop research and writing skills
- Develop and utilize the career navigation strategies necessary to gain a competitive position in higher education
View Full M.M. in Performance – Woodwind Doubling Curriculum
View Full D.M.A. in Performance – Woodwind Doubling Curriculum
Performance Opportunities and Ensembles
Shenandoah Conservatory produces more than 400 performances each year. Enroll in a dynamic curriculum and start preparing for a meaningful career in the arts. You will practice your craft in front of audiences and develop a plan for your professional launch into the industry that focuses on your personal desires and aspirations.
Embrace extensive performance opportunities with top-tier facilities from theatres, concert halls and dance studios. Unite with fellow artists and join an alumni family that takes center stage from Broadway to the concert halls of Europe.
Shenandoah Conservatory Performances
Ensembles
Shenandoah Conservatory is home to more than 20 instrumental, vocal, and dance ensembles that present numerous performances every year. These performances take place throughout Shenandoah University’s vibrant campus on its various stages, including a concert hall, recital hall, proscenium stage, black box studio, outdoor amphitheater and more, to venues and performance spaces in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and around the world. Ensembles constantly engage with Shenandoah’s dynamic faculty and an array of distinguished guest artists through residencies, workshops and unique performance opportunities.
Faculty
Shenandoah Conservatory’s prestigious faculty is dynamic, creative, and passionately committed to the highest levels of artistic excellence. A deeply caring community, they mentor students with a wealth of professional expertise, balancing rigorous expectations with compassion and wisdom. At Shenandoah, you will study with, and perform for, award-winning composers, Metropolitan Opera singers, Grammy Award winning conductors and international competition winners. You will learn from leading scholars in music and premiere works created by accomplished dance artists and cutting-edge directors. Shenandoah Conservatory’s faculty embodies the highest levels of professional accomplishment and the deepest commitment to furthering the artistic growth and creative aspirations of students in every discipline.
Application and Audition Information
Admission to Shenandoah Conservatory graduate programs is highly competitive and the audition schedule fills rapidly. Early application and audition registration is recommended.
Applicants will audition on one major woodwind instrument and two minor woodwind instruments of their choice
Acceptable Instruments for This Program
Review the acceptable instruments for this program:
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Saxophone (classical)
International Experiences
The Saxophone Studio included every student on a GEL trip to the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia in July 2018, and will also take a GEL trip to the World Saxophone Congress in Kurashiki City, Japan in July 2021.