Conducting

2025 Program Dates

Friday, July 11 - Sunday, July 27, 2025

Open to advanced undergraduate students through post graduates.

Application Deadline: March 1

program description

Conductors receive more than 120 minutes of podium time with student and professional ensembles in a supportive yet demanding environment. Additional classes include: baton technique, score study, professional development, orchestra communication, public speaking, and private video and materials review. Students also attend workshops and seminars, along with observing Wintergreen Music guest conductors in rehearsals and performances. This program is open to four conductors, so instructional and one-on-one time will be at a premium! 

STUDIES INCLUDE:

• Score study

• Baton technique

• Guidance and experience speaking from the stage

• Observation of guest conductors in rehearsals and performances with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra

• Sessions on working with sections of the orchestra (winds, brass, percussion, etc.)

• Working with your concertmaster

• Ballet conducting

• Working with your Chorus Master

• Masterclass sessions on standard orchestral repertoire with the student string and wind musicians 

• Masterclass sessions with a chamber ensemble of professional Wintergreen Festival Artists, with opportunity to receive feedback from Festival Artists

• A public performance of a chamber ensemble of professional Wintergreen Festival Artists — divided among conducting students

• Masterclass sessions with Wintergreen Festival Artists

• Various workshops such as: finances for musicians, working with composers, music business/entrepreneurship, mock auditions, fostering relationships with donors and supporters, and so much more

• Building a composed portfolio including items such as videos, resume, bios, and internet presence

• Opportunities to meet and engage with Wintergreen Music donors and supporters

• Custom workshops crafted by incoming students

*Student conductors may video all sessions. Please note that videos of professional musicians may be used for self-study and applications only.

Additional Highlights:

• Enrollment for active participants will be capped at four students, creating opportunities for conversation, camaraderie, and collegiality.

• Free access to nearly all Wintergreen Music Festival performances (a $900 value).

• Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and free access to the Wintergreen Resort Fitness and Aquatics center.

2025 Faculty

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. A video (uploaded or linked) of a performance or rehearsal of the applicant conducting an ensemble (orchestra, chorus, band, or chamber ensemble) with the camera facing the front of the conductor if possible. Include two contrasting excerpts if possible.

2. A video (uploaded or linked) of the applicant singing and conducting the following excerpt. Singing need not be beautiful or even on pitch, but should demonstrate musicality and understanding of the structure of the score:

   1. Mozart — Symphony No. 39 in E-Flat Major, First Movement: 1 - 54

3. Current resume outlining conducting experience, including any pertinent coursework. 

4. A short statement of interest in the program (around 200 words). 

5. Contact information for one reference. 

6. Video recording of yourself describing a meaningful leadership experience and why it impacted you. 2 minutes or less.

Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/wintergreen for more details.

APPLICATION DEADLINES & INFORMATION

Deadlines

• March 1: Application Deadline ($65 fee)

Acceptances

• Decisions regarding admission will be published by March 15 via email from the Acceptd application portal.

FEES

• Application:

  • $65 on or before March 1

• Tuition:

  • $200 non-refundable deposit (Tuition is FREE!) This fee helps to cover admission to the aquatics center, admission to all Festival events, a Festival t-shirt, transportation from and to the Charlottesville airport, train station, or bus terminal, a meal at a local restaurant, and additional meals and/or afternoon socials with the Wintergreen Music community.

• Room & Board:

  • Students will be responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and food for the duration of the program. A list of local AirB&B and VRBO will be provided upon acceptance and transportation to local grocery stores will be provided. 

Please visit our Applications and Fees page for more information.

Financial Need

Other than the $200 non-refundable deposit, tuition is free for students! If you need additional assistance to help cover the cost of housing, please contact our Education Coordinator, Brenna Wiinanen at education@wintergreenmusic.org to request more information.

CONTACT

For questions or more information, please contact Education Coordinator Brenna Wiinanen (education@wintergreenmusic.org).

*details subject to change