Can someone study conducting at a US college?

I'm really interested in studying music, specifically conducting, in the US. What colleges offer good programs for this? How competitive is it to get into these programs, and how can I stand out?

Absolutely, you can study conducting at several U.S. colleges that offer robust music programs. If I may suggest, Eastman School of Music, The Juilliard School, University of Michigan, and Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music offer highly-regarded conducting programs.

The competition can be rather intense. Music programs, especially those focusing on conducting, tend to be limited in size and highly selective. Students auditioning for these programs are usually competing with applicants who have a significant amount of talent and experience.

There are several ways to make your application more competitive. Here are a few:

1. Building a strong musical foundation: Strong conducting programs prefer candidates who have a solid grounding in music theory and music history. Proficiency in an instrument is usually seen as a big plus. If you can, participate in an orchestra or band at your school or in your community, and if there's an opportunity to hone your conducting skills, take it.

2. Gather relevant experiences: Take on leadership roles where you can conduct. This could be within a school band, a community choir, or an orchestra. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and hands-on experience, which is paramount for a conductor.

3. Create a standout audition: Schools will often require a live or video audition. Here, having an experienced conductor mentor can help you pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement. Treat this as an opportunity to showcase not only your conducting skills but also your knowledge of the music.

4. Letters of Recommendation: Having well-crafted letters of recommendation from your music teachers or anyone who has directly observed your musical talents can be extremely beneficial.

Remember, standing out in highly competitive programs is about showing dedication, a deep understanding of music, and unique skill sets. Even small leadership roles can make a big difference, so grab opportunities to lead anywhere you can. Good luck!