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CONDUCTOR'S INSTITUTE 2025
Fellows and Associates Program
 July 6-18, 2025

Directed by Dr. Donald Portnoy, this program is designed for conductors with moderate to advanced conducting skills. Fellows and Associates study with Dr. Donald Portnoy, alongside esteemed guest conductors and composers. Both Fellows and Associates are guaranteed daily podium time, with Fellows receiving more podium time than Associates.

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Fellows conduct the symphony orchestra repertoire in a public performance at the end of the institute, while Associates conduct the chamber orchestra repertoire in a concert held mid-institute. Attendance at all morning conducting sessions and late afternoon lectures is required for both Fellows and Associates. These lectures provide invaluable insights into score reading and interpretation, publicity, concert management, and other essential topics for aspiring conductors.

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Placement is determined by the applicant's experience. Those applying as a Fellow must submit a video, two letters of recommendation, and a résumé as part of their application.

Limited to 15 participants. Auditors are also welcome.

FELLOWS AND ASSOCIATES REPERTOIRE

STRING ORCHESTRA
July 7-10

  • Barber: Adagio for Strings

  • Tchaikovsky: Serenade, Op. 48, C Major

  • Bartók: Romanian Dances (String Orchestra)

  • Edward Hart: 3 Gullah Tunes

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
July 11-14

  • Beethoven: Symphony No. 4, Op. 60, B-Flat Major

  • Mozart: Two Recitatives and Arias from The Marriage of Figaro, Nos. 19 and 27

  • Bizet: Symphony No. 1, C Major

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
July 15-18

  • Rossini: The Barber of Seville Overture

  • DvoÅ™ák: Symphony No. 8, Op. 88, G Major

  • Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2, Op. 29, D Major (Little Russian)

  • Victoria Bond: TBA

 

Additional Notes:

  • Conductors must bring their own scores for use at the Institute.

FELLOW & ASSOCIATE TUITION

  • Fellow: $3,400
    (Check back soon for affordable dormitory options)

  • Associate: $2,800
    (Check back soon for affordable dormitory options)

  • Auditor: $900
    (Includes all morning and evening sessions for Fellows and Associates)

Application Deadline: April 18, 2025

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 application (February 15 – April 18): $50

  • Late submissions are welcome for the waitlist.

Scholarships

Three work-study scholarships are available for Fellows and Associates:

  • Student Coordinator

  • Social Media Coordinator

  • Camera and Sound Assistant

Application & Tuition Policies

Applications for the Fellows and Associates Program are reviewed on a hybrid rolling basis. Each month, a pool of applications is evaluated, and participants are divided into Fellows and Associates based on their qualifications and the availability of spots.  

 

Placement as a Fellow is highly competitive and becomes more selective as the program fills. Early application is strongly encouraged to secure the best possible placement. Early application deadline is February 15. 

 

Applicants for Fellow positions must submit a portfolio video with two contrasting pieces, two letters of recommendation, and a résumé with their application.

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Applicants for Associate positions are only expected to submit a portfolio video.

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Once accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $900 is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance of tuition must be paid in full by June 15. Please note that no refunds will be issued after June 1.

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For questions about the application process, tuition, or payment plans, feel free to contact us at conductorsinstituteofsc@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE EVENING LECTURES

Conductor Peter Jaffe delivers informative and engaging sessions in score study—crucial for exploring how aural inspirations translate to the written page and for developing comprehensive approaches toward scores.  Playing many orchestral examples at the piano, Maestro Jaffe explores advanced rhythmic topics, harmonic progressions, notational conventions, and interpretive challenges in the orchestral repertoire.

"I know of nowhere else in the United States where students can receive daily on-the-spot training in front of a professional ensemble for two weeks.” –Kate Tamarkin, conductor

PO Box 6891, Columbia, SC 29260

803 960-9237

Website © 2025 by The Conductor's Institute of South Carolina.

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