Early Career Program

Girls Who Conduct is excited to relaunch the Early Career Program in the Spring of 2025!

This mentorship program will run from April – June, 2025.

The Early Career Program connects women and gender non-conforming/(wo)man-aligned musicians (ages 21 and up) who are interested in continuing their pursuit of a career in conducting with professional women and (wo)men-aligned conductors who current work as conductors in the fields of band, choir, orchestra, or opera. Those that are in the early stages of their career (which looks different for everyone) are all encouraged to apply. 

Eligibility: Women and gender non-conforming/(wo)man-aligned conductors ages 21 and up at an early stage in their career in the field of band, choir, orchestra, or opera are welcome to apply. Applicants do NOT need to reside in the United States, but they should have access to a stable internet connection to communicate with their mentors regularly.

Criteria for Acceptance: Criteria for acceptance includes completion of all fields on this form, readiness to collaborate, access to Zoom, FaceTime, or another virtual meeting platform, and demonstration of consistent dedication and experience in the field of conducting.

Program Details: Mentees who are selected to participate in the program will meet with their mentor four times (preferably twice per month) for one hour sessions. Meeting scheduling with be the responsibility of the mentee in communication with their mentor.

Mandatory Attendance:

Our mentors have agreed to meet with mentees on a volunteer-basis, so valuing their time is of utmost importance. When accepted, you are agreeing to the following:

• Communicate clearly with your mentor regarding scheduling of meetings
• Avoid canceling/rescheduling. If you must reschedule, please give your mentor at least 3 days notice!
• Attend all four scheduled meetings
• Attend our program Kick-off Event on April 2, 2025 at 7pm eastern time

Application Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:59PM EDT

Please contact us via email (click for link) with questions.

Girls Who Conduct is an initiative created in 2020 to empower and encourage the upcoming generation of women, women-identifying, and non-binary conductors by providing a program for training, mentorship, and camaraderie in order to foster diversity and inclusion in classical music.