CONDUCTOR'S INSTITUTE OF SOUTH CAROLINA​

 

The Conductor's Institute of South Carolina is one of the longest-running summer conductor training programs in the United States, celebrating its 46th anniversary this summer. This milestone is both a humbling and proud achievement, marking nearly half a century of dedication to the art of conducting.

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The 2025 Institute will take place from July 6 through July 18, 2025, on the campus of The College of Charleston in historic Charleston, South Carolina.

For 46 years, the internationally renowned Conductor's Institute has been a “must-do” program for both aspiring and experienced conductors.

 

Participants receive rigorous, no-nonsense training from a faculty of five conductors and three composers, all of whom bring extensive experience from the professional, academic, and commercial music worlds. Over the years, more than 1,600 conductors have attended the program, with many alumni now leading major, regional, community, youth, and academic orchestras.

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The faculty understands the challenges of succeeding in this competitive field and is committed to sharing their expertise. Daily podium time is guaranteed for all participants, offering invaluable hands-on experience.

Each day, participants conduct professional musicians who are intimately familiar with the scores. They also receive daily video recordings of their performances to study and prepare for the next session.

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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 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: April 18, 2025

Application Fees:

• Early application for the Conductor's Institute 2025 has now closed. The second round of applicants will be considered until March 15, 2025​

• Regular (February 15 – April 18): $50

• Late submissions: 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.