Australian Conducting Academy
Overview
A unique orchestral training program for early-career conductors in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australian Conducting Academy (ACA) supports the next generation of professional orchestra conductors.
The ACA gives participants the opportunity of podium time with major orchestras and mentoring from renowned Australian and international conductors.
Managed by the TSO, the ACA is delivered in partnership with the Adelaide, Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney and West Australian symphony orchestras, Orchestra Victoria and Auckland Philharmonia.
'This training program has been incredibly valuable. It's not often that you get to meet so many different orchestras in one country, and have experienced conductors telling what we can improve on. It's helped me build a relationship with many of the Australian orchestras.'
Sam Weller, former ACA participant
About the academy
Develop your conducting skills in a three-part program
Part 1: Launchpad
Emerging conductors receive training with a chamber orchestra. Conductors identified as having potential to lead professional orchestras are invited to continue.
Part 2: Masterclass
Participants with potential to conduct a professional orchestra receive further training with major orchestras under the guidance of industry mentors.
Part 3: Showcase and graduation
A presentation of graduating conductors in a rehearsal or concert format. This ‘career launching’ performance marks graduation from the program.
Participating orchestras
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Presented by Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in partnership with orchestras across Australia
Program Director
Benjamin Northey
An Australian conductor, musician and arranger, Benjamin is Professor of Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony, Principal Guest Conductor of the MSO and Conductor in Residence at the SSO.
'I know the next chief conductor of an Australian orchestra is out there – we just have to find them.'
Benjamin Northey, ACA Program Director
Eligibility criteria
You must
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a recent video of yourself conducting
- Submit a one-page bio outlining your experience conducting orchestras and ensembles.
Suitable for
- Experienced conductors, including pre-professional
- Experienced orchestral musicians seeking to develop a conducting career.
How to apply
Submit an expression of interest.
Expressions of interest (EOI) are invited from experienced conductors and orchestral musicians seeking to develop a professional orchestral conducting career.
The Program Director will shortlist and select candidates to audition for inclusion into the program.
To submit your EOI by email, please include:
- A YouTube link to a recent video of yourself conducting. Upload to YouTube as an unlisted video (only viewable via direct link) and paste the link into your email
- A one-page bio outlining your experience conducting ensembles and orchestras
- Your full name and contact details.
FAQs
Applications are welcome from experienced conductors on the cusp of professional orchestral careers.
We recommend you gain as much conducting experience as possible, including by:
- Joining a community ensemble as an assistant conductor,
- Attending regular rehearsals and becoming familiar with standard orchestral repertoire,
- Forming and conducting your own instrumental ensemble,
- Working regularly with a local community orchestra.
EOIs may be submitted year-round and applications are assessed throughout the year.
Some participants are invited to apply, based on recommendations by major orchestras in Australia and New Zealand.
A stipend is available to help with accommodation and transport for each part of the program.
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