Early Career Program FAQ
Prerequisites
NO. This course is designed for young musicians with an interest in learning more about conducting, and beginner conductors with limited experience. It’s great if you already have some experience or knowledge about conducting, but don’t feel discouraged if you don’t. That’s what we are here for!
For the sessions, you just need an electronic device and reliable internet access. A laptop, tablet, or a smartphone would work. You do NOT need any high-quality equipment. All sheet music will also be distributed online. You can either print it out or read off of your device.
NO. It’s nice if you already own a baton, but you do not need one for the participation of our program. If you would like one, we can offer recommendations or help you obtain one before the first session.
No–we welcome instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, or anyone just interested in learning more about conducting.
As long as you can read western music notation (aka a five-line staff with white/black circles indicating pitches), join us with lots of curiosity!
Application Process
Our Early Career program is designed for women and (wo)man-aligned gender non-conforming conductors, so that we can 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 track is intended to follow the paths of conductors in the early stages of their career.
About the Program
Each mentee will have hourlong Zoom meetings with their mentor on a monthly basis, over the span of 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 let your mentor know what you need assistance with. This can cover 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, although this will look 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.