About

The NOI+F Conducting Academy provides training and mentorship for emerging conductors. Selected conducting fellows will work with conductors Marin Alsop and Mei-Ann Chen in a variety of settings including seminars and conducting sessions (with piano and string quintet and also with chamber orchestra). Fellows will have the opportunity to work alongside resident composers to prepare public performances of contemporary music.

As a conducting fellow, you can expect the following activities over the course of the week: three seminars/discussions, three conducting labs (with piano/string quintet), two chamber orchestra rehearsals in preparation for a public concert and multiple rehearsal observations led by Marin Alsop with the NOI Philharmonic.

Auditors may attend all sessions, but do not receive podium time. Auditors will receive private consultations with Mei-Ann Chen to review their conducting videos and receive individualized feedback.

Age: All who are 18 or older by June 22, 2204 may apply. The typical age range for NOI+F is 18 - 30.
Key Dates

November 1, 2023: Conducting Academy application opens

February 6, 2024: Conducting Academy applications are due

March 1, 2024: Applicants will be notified of audition results

June 22 – June 30, 2024: Program dates

2024 Repertoire

Ludwig Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125

Gustav Mahler: Symphony no. 1 in D major

Additional works written by NOI+F composition fellows

Enrollment

Up to 6 conducting fellows

Up to 20 auditing participants

Apply + Audition

Resume (2 pages maximum)

A letter of recommendation addressing your musicianship.

Letters of recommendation may be submitted directly with your application OR emailed to noi@umd.edu by your recommenders. Please have them include the subject line, "Letter of Recommendation, 'Your Name'."

Video excerpts of your conducting showing at least 2 contrasting works, each no longer than 3 minutes. Total video should not exceed 6 minutes. All videos must be front-facing, from the point of view of the orchestra. The conductor should occupy at least 1/5 of the total frame in the conducting video submitted.

A document describing the works contained on the video, including repertoire, date/location of the performance or rehearsal and ensemble.

Please also submit a front-facing video recording (iPhone quality is fine) of you simultaneously singing and conducting the following short excerpt: Beethoven Symphony no. 9 from the beginning of Mvt. III, Adagio molto e Cantabile up to mm. 25, Andante moderato. NOTE: This may not be easy to sing, but please do your best!