Orchestral Conducting

Orchestral conducting audition requirements

Master of Music (M.M.), Doctor of Music (D.M.)


The following information is for entry into the 2024-25 school year.


Prescreening Requirements

All orchestral conducting applicants must submit prescreening via the JSOM Supplemental application by December 1.

Submit the following materials:

  • Video recording of a performance or rehearsal that displays your conducting proficiency
  • Résumé/Curriculum Vitae
  • Repertoire list, including:
    • Works conducted in performance, including date and group
    • Works prepared, including when and for whom
    • Works assisted, including when and for whom
    • Works studied
    • Non-native English speakers must also submit a qualifying TOEFL or IELTS score by December 1. Your prescreening will not be reviewed until English Proficiency has been met.

Audition Requirements

Select applicants will be invited to a live audition based on prescreening review.

If you are invited, you will conduct one of the Jacobs School of Music orchestras. The audition and interview will not occur during any of the regularly scheduled audition weekends. Invited applicants will be informed of a date by email.

Invited applicants should prepare the following pieces for the personal conducting audition:

  • Beethoven - Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1
  • Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet(complete)
  • Copland - Appalachian Spring (rehearsal #6-16 and #35-51)
  • Puccini - La Bohème, Act I, Rodolfo's aria "Che gelida manina"
  • Mozart - Marriage of Figaro, The Count’s Aria

All pieces must be learned in their entirety.

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