Conducting

All applicants in orchestral conducting are required to upload videos for prescreening purposes in order to be invited for a live audition.

Prescreening videos must be clearly labeled and should be uploaded directly to the online application by December 1.  Later submission may be possible by arrangement with the Admissions Office.

When describing the videos, please list what work is being conducted; what group is being conducted; the applicant’s relationship to this group (i.e. regular conductor/music director of a performing ensemble; member of a conducting class leading a student group; etc.); and whether this is a rehearsal or a performance.

Orchestral Conducting Prescreening Repertoire

Applicants should send representative video of their work in conducting. The repertoire and the group being conducted should be clearly identified in the videos and in your email to the conducting counselor. If possible, show complete movements with contrasting styles and tempi

• Three videos of contrasting repertoire that show different styles, time periods, and tempi
• One video of a rehearsal with an ensemble

Video footage should clearly show your gestures and your face. Applicants may be asked to submit additional video or other information during the audition process.

Those applicants who pass the prescreen audition will be invited to come to New York for an in-person audition in March. The repertoire for auditions will be sent to you by the conducting counselor a few weeks prior to your audition. The repertoire will include some orchestral excerpts, at least one passage of recitative, and an aria. The ensemble at your audition will be comprised of 2 pianists, a violinist, and/or a singer. Applicants may also be asked to demonstrate some very basic keyboard and score reading skills. A short interview will follow. Applicants who live far from New York City may request a video audition, though a live audition is always in the best interest of the applicant.

All applicants for the graduate degrees (MM, PS, DMA) in choral conducting are required to upload videos for prescreening purposes in order to be considered for a live audition.

Prescreening videos must be clearly labeled and should be uploaded directly to the online application by December 1. Later submission may be possible by arrangement with the Admissions Office.

When describing the videos, please list what works are being conducted; what group is being conducted; the applicant’s relationship to this group (i.e. regular conductor/music director of a performing ensemble; member of a conducting class leading a student group; etc.); and whether this is this a rehearsal or a performance.

Choral Conducting Prescreening Repertoire

Applicants should upload a total of 3 videos in the following order:

• One video showing rehearsal of a Renaissance, Baroque or Classical era work
• One video showing performance of a Renaissance era a cappella work
• One video showing performance of a Baroque or a Classic era work

The camera should be pointed straight at you in all videos, rather than the ensemble, so that faculty can observe your gestures and expressions.

Those applicants who pass the prescreen audition will be invited to come to New York for an in-person audition in March. Applicants will have a 20-minute audition followed by a 30-minute interview with the conducting faculty. During the interview, the applicant will be provided a choral excerpt and will be expected to demonstrate knowledge regarding harmonic analysis, and ability to sight read vocal parts on the piano. The audition is broken down as follows:

• Applicants will have 10 minutes to rehearse/conduct 2 standard choral pieces; the applicant will be notified of the 2 pieces at least 1 month prior to their audition
• Applicants will have 10 minutes to teach and rehearse an a cappella SATB contemporary piece of his/her choice; applicants will need to supply the music for the audition

Applicants who live far from New York City may request a video audition, though a live audition is always in the best interest of the applicant.