Conducting
Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a unique setting for a select number of exceptional conductors to pursue Masters degrees or a PhD in conducting performance under the tutelage of Maestro Imre Palló, and distinguished visiting and resident conductors. An unparalleled Australian university performance program with two orchestras, a modern music ensemble, an early music ensemble, an opera school and two choirs all contribute to an environment where student conductors regularly aspire and prepare for success at the highest levels of the profession.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music alumni include prominent conductors who conduct many of the world’s great orchestras, and hold key positions, such as Paul Dyer, Anthony Walker, Simone Young and Henryk Pisarek .
Instrument Conducting Opportunities at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Graduate conducting students have a wide range of conducting opportunities at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. This allows postgraduate students to:
- Gain conducting skills under the direction and supervision of Professor Pallo, visiting and resident conductors
- Prepare a range of repertoire, in particular classical repertoire with a blend of chamber, operatic, symphonic, period and contemporary work
- Work with discreet ensembles eg string, brass, wind, percussion to look at specific repertoire for these groups
- Refine communication skills by rehearsing and communicating with a younger age group up through semi-professional players.
Students are assigned as assistant conductors for every orchestral performance, giving them the opportunity to work with the large number of guest and faculty conductors who visit each semester. SCM has six major ensembles, most of which rehearse Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2-5: (click each for more information)
- Symphony Orchestra
- Chamber Orchestra
- Modern Music Ensemble
- Early Music Ensemble
- Wind Ensemble
- Two Choirs
Student Conductor Concerts:
Each semester one major ensemble performs a Student Conductor Concert, with three or four graduate conductors assigned to the performance as part of the assessment.
Conductors Orchestra:
Each semester eight reading sessions are scheduled, conducted by postgraduate conducting students. Monday mornings from 9-12
Special Projects Week
Each conductor may have the opportunity to work with a large chamber ensemble (i.e. Brass ensemble, wind ensemble, string ensemble or similar) to be coordinated between the Conducting unit and the Ensemble studies unit during Special Projects week.
Conservatorium High School orchestra program
Three reading sessions will take place with the Conservatorium High School students, either forming smaller ensembles or working as a full orchestra, conducted by postgraduate conducting students. Tuesday mornings from 8:20-10:00 am.
Opera Assistant – Each year one student is given a role as the Assistant Conductor for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Opera Production.
Other Conducting Opportunities:
During the course of study, postgraduate students will work regularly with pianists as well as chamber ensembles. In the Sydney community, many of the PG students find opportunities for conducting.
Audition Process
The instrumental conducting audition and interview will be informed of a date in writing.
Applicants must submit a videotape of a performance or rehearsal that displays their conducting proficiency. A limited number of persons will then be invited to a personal audition with the SCM Conductors orchestra. Tapes must be submitted by October 15th. Invited applicants should prepare the following pieces for the personal conducting audition: Beethoven, Symphony No. 4. In addition, all applicants should prepare a piece from the standard repertoire of their instrument to perform for the conducting faculty.
Please contact the Office of Student Administration for information regarding audition repertoire and available audition dates by calling:
+ 61 2 9351 1241
+ 61 2 9351 1242.
Email:
International students please email for application information.