CONDUCTOR'S INSTITUTE OF SOUTH CAROLINA​

 

Read the 2026 announcement note from Maestro Portnoy:

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The Conductors Institute is one of the longest running summer conductor training programs in the United States. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary this summer. The fifty year mark is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we are both humbled and proud of this achievement.

 

The dates for this summer’s Institute are July 5 through July 17, 2026 on the campus of The College of Charleston in historic Charleston, South Carolina. For 50 years the internationally renowned Conductors Institute has been on the “Must Do” list for young aspiring and experienced conductors alike.

 

Participants of the Institute receive a no-nonsense tutorial from a faculty of 5 conductors and 2 composers, who have vast experience in professional, commercial, and academic worlds of music. During the past 50 years over

1,600 conductors have gone through the program. Many are now conductors of major, regional, community, youth and academic orchestras. The faculty is keenly aware of what it takes to succeed in a tough and competitive field, and they are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

 

Daily podium time is offered to all participants. Each day participants have the opportunity to conduct professional musicians who know the scores intimately. Each day they receive a video of their performance to study and to assist them in preparing for the next day.

 

There is an evening lecture series where faculty and guest conductors offer valuable information regarding baton technique, score preparation and interpretation, efficient and effective rehearsal technique, publicity, concert management, auditions and other subjects pertinent to the conducting profession.

 

The Institute has two public concerts during the two week session - one for Fellows, and one for Associates. Those applying both as a Fellow or Associate must submit a video with their application placement is determined by experience of the applicant. Participants come from all states, Europe, Asia and South America. The Conductor's Institute is proud that this program designed for and by conductors has received national and international acclaim.

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The Institute features an evening lecture series, where faculty and guest conductors share insights on:

• Baton technique

• Score preparation and interpretation

• Efficient rehearsal strategies

• Publicity and concert management

• Audition preparation

• Other essential skills for a successful conducting career

 

The program culminates in two public concerts: one showcasing the Fellows conducting a symphony orchestra and another featuring the Associates conducting a chamber orchestra.

 

Placement is determined by the applicant’s experience. Those applying as Fellows or Associates must submit a video with their application.

Tuition

• Fellows: $3,400

• Associates: $2,800

• Discovery: $1,800

• Conducting for Composers: $1,250

• Auditor: $900

Affordable housing options are available on campus.

 

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

 

• Early Application (until December 29, 2025): $40

• Regular application (December 29 - March 16): $50

• Late submissions are welcome for the waitlist.

 

Participants come from across the United States and around the globe, including Europe, Asia, and South America. The Conductor's Institute is proud to have earned both national and international acclaim for its dedication to training conductors by conductors.