Conducting

All applicants in orchestral conducting must submit a prescreen video in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.

Step 1: Prescreen

• Include ALL required repertoire, as listed in the dropdown menu below.
• Upload your prescreen recordings directly to your application.
• Prescreen Deadline: December 1.
• Videos do not have to be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality should be of high quality and should accurately reflect your musicianship.
• Each piece or movement should be uploaded as a separate video. However, each individual video must be unedited.
• 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.

Prescreen Repertoire Requirements

Applicants should send representative video of their work in orchestral conducting. The repertoire and the group being conducted should be clearly identified in the videos. 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.

Step 2: Audition

Applicants who pass the prescreen round will be invited to audition.

• The repertoire for auditions will be sent to you by a member of the Office of Admission 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.
• Note that audition repertoire requirements may differ from prescreen requirements.
• Applicants may also be asked to demonstrate some very basic keyboard and score reading skills.
• A short interview will follow.

Questions?

admission@msmnyc.edu