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Moores School of Music
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Winds Division

Leadership

Dana Pradervand   
Instrumental Wind Division Head
Associate Director of Bands  
Professor of Practice
dsprader@central.uh.edu  
713-743-3627    
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Welcome to the Moores School of Music Instrumental Wind s Division! Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty provide s a total musical learning environment through progressive curricula designed to support your career aspirations. For more information about our programs or to connect with current students , please email or call!   #GoCoogs   

 

Academic Programs

  • Bachelor of Music

    Undergraduate degree plans in instrumental wind focus on performance, education, marketing, or non-profit arts leadership. In addition to two degree recitals and the opportunity to perform with our renowned concert bands and orchestras, all undergraduate Instrumental Performance majors are thoroughly prepared for the next steps in their careers, whether continuing to graduate studies or applying for young artist programs. Qualified music education majors who seek teaching positions enjoy 100% job placement. Students may also consider a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, which is a comprehensive liberal arts degree with an intense concentration in music and an emphasis on academic coursework.

  • Master of Music

    Featuring world-class faculty and facilities, a wealth of performance and pedagogical opportunities and access to Houston’s magnificent arts and culture scene, the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music is the ideal place to pursue your Master of Music degree. Each of our degree offerings is aimed at making the most of your next step as a musician and scholar.

  • Doctor of Musical Arts

    The DMA in Performance provides advanced training and experience for students pursuing a career in music performance and prepares students to teach music performance at the collegiate level. Applicants to our doctoral program are required to hold a master’s degree, preferably in applied music, and follow the instrumental performance track. Students choose between full dissertation and doctoral essay options. 

  • Certificate in Performance

    This certificate is a highly specialized program designed for advanced instrumentalists on the cusp of a professional performance career. The two-year Certificate in Music Performance is comprised of courses specifically designed to prepare wind performers for that transition.   

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students at all levels of study who demonstrate outstanding accomplishment and promise. For nonresident students, merit-based scholarships may make a student eligible to receive a tuition waiver resulting in Texas resident tuition rate. A variety of Teaching Assistantships is available for qualified graduate students. 

Select Division Courses

  • Orchestral Repertoire 

    An intensive, concentrated study of standard symphonic excerpts required for orchestral auditions.  Emphasis is on advanced practice techniques, including articulation, phrasing, rhythm, dynamics, and musicality.  Current performance practices, audition preparation techniques, mock auditions, and critical listening analysis are core components of the course. 

  • Instrumental Conducting

    Fundamental aspects of gesture in instrumental conducting, hierarchical listening, ensemble sound production and pitch, collective breathing techniques, basic score study and rehearsal planning, and pacing.  The second course builds on skills acquired in the first, with greater emphasis on score study, rehearsal techniques, and diagnostic skills necessary for developing successful instrumental ensembles. 

Cougar Brass

Spirit of Houston Marching Band

The Cougar Marching Band is made up of over 280 members dedicated to promoting the spirit of the University of Houston through its musical performances and support of the Cougar Football team. Membership is open to all university students with previous band experience, and financial aid opportunities are available to majors and non-majors.   

Chamber

Chamber Ensembles

In Chamber Music ensembles, students study literature written for smaller, more intimate groups. Whether working in a quintet, quartet, trio, or duo, students benefit from coachings, which focus on tonal blending, score knowledge, communication, listening skills, intonation, and musical expression. 

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Concert Ensembles

Students may perform with one of our three concert bands. All concert bands are dedicated to performing the highest level of literature possible and perform several concerts yearly.  

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"I am incredibly grateful for my time at the Moores School of Music. Under the tutelage of my mentors, I was able to acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the professional music community. I have made lifelong friends and colleagues, and I will think fondly of my experiences at Moores for the rest of my life. Go Coogs!" - Gerardo Mata (DMA '20) Second Trumpet Sinfonia Gulf Coast and North West Florida Symphony