Early Career Program FAQ
On Application
Our Early Career program is designed for women, (wo)man-aligned gender non-conforming conductors to promote a supportive environment based on gender-specific needs. We take a gender-specific approach and focus on how preconceived biases might impact conductors’ experiences.
However, our professional development series is open to all genders, skill-sets, and all levels of expertise.
No. Since this is a virtual program, and you will be scheduling all 4 meetings with your mentor independently via ZOOM, you can apply from anywhere in the world. We do ask that you find a consistent place with stable internet connection so that you can make the most of your time with your mentor!
Criteria for acceptance include completion of all fields on the application form, readiness to collaborate, access to the Zoom platform, and demonstration of consistent dedication and experience in the field of conducting. An effort will be made to align lived experiences of applicants to mentors including the social indicators noted below.
We are limiting the applicant pool to be at least 21+ years of age, as this is a higher track that follows the path of conductors in the early stages of their career.
About the Program
Each mentee will meet with their mentor via Zoom for an hour, once a month for four months. This is a self-driven process, so it is up to you as the mentee to guide your own learning. While the mentor can ask questions, it is ultimately up to you to guide the mentor to help you with the things you need assistance with. This can be a range of topics, from conducting technique to negotiating salaries!
Yes! Participants may be invited to attend optional social/study meetings once a month to develop relationships within the cohort and invest time in other topics with guest speakers.
Yes, and it may look very different for everyone.
For Band conductors, you might be involved in music education in a K-12 school while pursuing or looking to pursue a Master’s in Conducting.
For Choral conductors, you might be involved in a church or children’s choral program or music education in a K-12 school while pursuing or looking to pursue a Master’s in Conducting.
For Orchestra and opera conductors, you may be involved in a Masters or DMA program and/or freshly out of a graduate conducting program.
However, these are only examples and each career path is unique and different from others.