The Conducting Institute is a premier program for gifted conductors ages 18 and older, led by the Festival’s music director and resident conductors. Nine fellows are selected each year and rotate through assistant roles with the festival orchestra and two Young Artist Orchestras.

Each week includes two sessions with a repertory orchestra made up of students and string fellows, giving every conducting fellow roughly thirty minutes of podium time across a broad range of repertoire. Fellows also receive two performance opportunities during the festival: one overture-length work with the Festival Orchestra and a second performance—typically movements of a larger piece—with the Young Artists Orchestra.

The curriculum includes three weekly classes: one devoted to score study and two covering professional disciplines such as programming, rehearsal technique, music library operations, and working effectively with orchestral staff. Each fellow also receives private instruction focused on the repertoire they will conduct with the Young Artists and Festival orchestras.

Beyond podium time, fellows are fully immersed in the musical life of EFM. They are encouraged to record their rehearsals and performances, and to attend all festival concerts, master classes, and other artistic activities. The result is a deeply rich, comprehensive, and highly immersive summer of music-making.

Dates
June 27 - August 1

Location
Guilford College, Greensboro, NC

Eligibility
Ages 14-24

Application Deadline
Submit by February 20

Programs Offered
Orchestra
Chamber music
Private study
Master classes
Seminars and workshops