Chorus America's 2025 Conducting Academy offers two program options – both are 7-day programs, running July 7-13.

Conducting Fellows, $1,300 

• Repertoire:  Fellows will have an opportunity to conduct excerpts from two choral-orchestral works:
  • Ein deutsches Requiem- Johannes Brahms
  • Ruminations – Jennifer Higdon
• Conducting in Final Performance:  The Academy will culminate in a final performance with orchestra in Meng Concert Hall. Each fellow will receive an assignment to conduct in the performance, which will be video recorded. 
• Podium Time:  Each Fellow will have podium time each day, consisting of sessions with piano, string quintet, and chorus as well as sessions with full orchestra and chorus. All sessions will be videotaped. 
• Video Review Sessions and Lessons:  Video review sessions will be held each day and each Fellow will receive an individual conducting lesson. 

Conducting Scholars, $950 

• Repertoire:  Scholars will focus on Ein deutsches Requiem throughout the week:
  • Ein deutsches Requiem- Johannes Brahms
• Conducting a string quintet:  Each Scholar will receive an assignment to conduct in special Scholar podium sessions with string quintet and chorus, which will be video recorded.  
• Conducting Classes and Lessons:  Faculty podium coaches will teach daily conducting classes specifically for Scholars during the week. These sessions will be accompanied by piano. 
• Observation of Podium Time:  Scholars can observe faculty instruction of the Fellows and can elect to sing in the Fellows final concert. 
• Video Review Sessions and Lessons:  Video review sessions will be held each day and each Scholar will receive an individual conducting lesson. 

Online Forums

A regular feature in the schedule of the Conducting Academy are faculty-led forums on choral-orchestral topics. New to the program this year, participants will have an opportunity to join a virtual session in advance of the program in July. Over the course of the late spring and early summer, Fellows and Scholars will be invited to attend online presentations and conversations led by Conducting Academy faculty this year, past faculty, program partners, and conductors in the field to discuss general choral-orchestral topics and sessions that will specifically help prepare for this year's Academy. These sessions may include score study and preparation, managing your first orchestral-rehearsal, working with strings, a special focus on the Brahms and Higdon works, among others. All fellows and scholars are expected to attend these workshops, which will be recorded for participant use.

Forum Faculty include the 2025 Conducting Academy Faculty, Eugene Rogers, Anthony Parnther, John Alexander, and other special guests.

For more information on applying to the 2025 Conducting Academy, see our Applications & Eligibility page.