HS/College Mentorship Program FAQ
Are boys allowed to join Girls Who Conduct?
Our mentorship program is designed for young women and non-binary conductors to promote an environment that supports gender-marginalized musicians. We take a gender-specific approach and focus on how biases might impact these conductors’ experience.
However, our professional development series is open to all genders, all skill-sets, and all levels of expertise.
Do I need to live in the US to apply?
NOPE! Since this is a virtual program, as long as you can attend all three sessions in your time zone, you can apply from anywhere on the globe!
How much does it cost to apply?
The application process is free. If accepted, participants will pay a $150 registration fee. Scholarships are available and can be requested via the application form.
What musical sample should I submit?
We mostly want to know your musicality and musical interests. You can choose a video that best represents you as a musician such as conducting, playing, singing, a score/recording sample of your composition, etc.
Will my musical submission affect my application?
The application materials won’t dictate what you learn in the program. We mostly want to know your musicality and musical interests.
Students in all musical genres are welcomed, as you will learn skills to apply to your future study and conducting.
How do I find out info about future programs?
If you are a music educator wanting to nominate a student, or a conductor wanting to apply for our future mentorship programs, please fill out this form.
If you simply want to stay informed about our future projects in general, please follow us on IG or FB @GirlsWhoConduct, or sign up to our newsletter.
On application…
About the course…
How will we study conducting over Zoom?
We will learn some basic conducting techniques (aka moving your hands/baton), and also discuss topics surrounding the profession, such as score study, rehearsal strategy, programming ideas, career building, reviewing conducting videos, etc.
What music do I need? How can I get the music?
All sheet music will also be distributed online as PDF files. You are welcome to print them out or just read them off of your device.
Do I need to buy/download any software?
You can read the sheet music on your laptop or tablet. Smartphones would be too small to read all musical notations, though. If you like reading sheet music on a tablet, Newzik and ForScore are two paid-to-use APPS, but you do not need to use those apps — any browser or reading program (like iBook) would do the job.
We will have a variety of music selections, from orchestral, wind ensemble, choral, operatic, or theater repertoire. Students will be able to choose from the excerpts what they want to study deeper during our score study session.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes, all sessions will be recorded and be available for review for our admitted students.
The application process is free. If accepted, participants will pay a $150 registration fee. Scholarships are available and can be requested via the application form.
Will there be opportunities to meet and network?
Yes! In addition to our instructional sessions, we will host virtual meet and great and group study sessions.
Do I need to have already studied conducting?
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!
What equipment do I need to participate?
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. It’s up to you if you want to print them out or read it 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 recommend or help you obtain one before the first session.
Do I need to play an instrument?
NO, instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, or anyone just interested in knowing more about conducting is welcomed.
What prior knowledge do I need to have?
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!
Do I need…..
