Conducting Fellows ($1,300)

The Fellows Program is designed for conductors who have some experience working with orchestra and would like to improve their skills. Fellows in the program work with a small string and piano ensemble throughout the week, culminating in an opportunity to conduct a full orchestra. We encourage applications from applicants who identify with some or all of the following:

• Currently serve as conductors of independent or religiously affiliated choruses,  
• Currently serve as conductors of choruses affiliated with educational institutions,  
• Have completed an advanced degree in choral conducting, but do not currently serve as a conductor, and/or  
• Are currently enrolled in an advanced degree program in conducting.  

There is a $35 application fee. Participation is limited to 12 Fellows. Fellow applicants will be notified by March 14, 2025. Upon notification of acceptance, a deposit of $650 of the full $1,300 is required by March 26 to secure your place in the program. Payment in full is due no later than May 1, 2025. A $100 administration charge will apply to cancellations made before or on May 1, 2025. After May 1, 2025, only $650 of the $1,300 participation fee is refundable. Payment plans are available upon request.

*Please note: Registration fees listed do not include travel or accommodations during the week of the Conducting Academy.   

Conducting Scholars ($950) 

The Scholars Program is designed for any conductor or conducting student who wishes to learn and become more comfortable with choral-orchestral conducting. These participants may have limited experience conducting instrumentalists or would like to focus on working with small instrumental ensembles. Conducting scholars work with piano during the week and end the week with a small string and piano ensemble. Educational training and experience in the field of choral conducting is assumed. We encourage applications from applicants who identify with some or all of the following:

• Have experience conducting at an educational institution, or an independent or religiously affiliated chorus,  
• Have completed an undergraduate program in music, and/or  
• Are currently enrolled in a master's-level program in music. 

There is a $35 application fee. Participation is limited to 12 Scholars. Scholar applicants will be notified no later than March 14, 2025. Upon notification of acceptance, a deposit of $475 is required by March 26 to secure your participation in the program. Payment in full is due no later than May 1, 2025. A $50 administration charge will apply to cancellations made before or on May 1, 2025. After May 1, 2025, only $475 of the $950 participation fee is refundable. Payment plans are available upon request. 

*Please note: Registration fees listed do not include travel or accommodations during the week of the Conducting Academy.   

All participants in the Choral-Orchestral Conducting Academy must be members of Chorus America. Click here to learn more, and email membership@chorusamerica.org with any questions.

Application requirements for both Fellows and Scholars include: 

• Contact information; short narrative questions; your resume/CV with conducting and singing experiences listed separately.  
• 2-3 YouTube or Vimeo video excerpts totaling 10 minutes showcasing the conductor’s best work; videos represent work from the last two seasons.
  • Performance recordings and/or recordings with orchestra are encouraged but not required; rehearsal recordings are acceptable; single takes are encouraged; no videos of warmups.  
  • Applicant videos will be evaluated based on Technique, Communication, Score Interpretation, and Musicality/Expression. Videos should be facing the conductor as much as possible to allow the panel to review these criteria – avoid videos facing the chorus or used as promotional material.  
• Be a member of Chorus America. Not sure of your membership status or have questions? Email membership@chorusamerica.org.  
• $35 application fee 

Deadline to apply is December 5, 2024

 To view the application rubric that will be used by reviewers, click here.

Questions? Please reach out to Karyn Castro, associate director of programs and membership, at karyn@chorusamerica.org.    

Watch our How To Apply Webinar: