Louise Crossley Conductor Training Program

For emerging female and non-binary conductors.

Presented by Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

For emerging female and non-binary conductors.

Presented by Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

ABOUT THE LOUISE CROSSLEY CONDUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

Investing in the development of the next generation of conductors is crucial for the continued vitality and evolution of classical music. It’s also at the heart of what we do at TSO. Emerging conductors not only interpret compositions but also bring new perspectives and innovations to the art.

Each of our artistic training programs plays a vital role in cultivating musical talent helping them build careers in their field. This program carries the name of the late Dr Louise Crossley, whose bequest to the TSO was to develop and identify opportunities for female conductors, encouraging equal representation on stage. This was an area of personal importance to Dr Crossley, and we are proud to honour her wishes through this annual program.

Is this program for me?

This program provides a chance to practice and refine your conducting skills
Learn from a professional female conductor
Work and connect with your peers
We welcome individuals who identify as female or non-binary to apply (for clarity, this includes cisgender women, transgender women, and all non-binary and gender fluid people)
Open to emerging conductors based in Australia and New Zealand
This program and all involved are passionate about fostering and encouraging diverse perspectives in music

Applications for the 2025 program will be announced in early 2025. Sign up to the TSO newsletter to receive updates on future intakes.

With thanks to the generous bequest of Dr Louise Crossley there are no fees to applicants to participate in this program.

Apply Here

HOW TO APPLY

Read and ensure you meet the requirements in the Guidelines & Eligibility Information Pack.
Fill in the application form here.

For more information on the Rising Star Competition and prize details please go here.
For any further questions please contact Director Artistic Development Kim Waldock.

KEY DATES

Entries close: 5pm, Friday 15 Mar 2024
Audition times issued: Wednesday 20 Mar 2024
Audition date: Monday 25 Mar 2024
Audition results issued: Wednesday 27 Mar 2024
Tentative Performance date: Saturday 17 Aug 2024

APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 OPEN NOW

12 – 13 April 2025, TSO Studio in Nipaluna / Hobart.

With course leader Ingrid Martin.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Investing in the development of the next generation of conductors is crucial for the continued vitality and evolution of classical and orchestral music. It’s also at the heart of what we do at TSO. Emerging conductors bring new interpretations to compositions and fresh perspectives and innovations to the art.

This program is designed for developing female identifying conductors of all ages looking to refine the technical skills of conducting and musical communication from the podium.

We are looking for musicians who are interested in working with or working with nonprofessional orchestras and ensembles.

This course is not for those undertaking or having completed advanced formal conductor training.

Apply Here

IS THIS PROGRAM FOR ME?

- We welcome individuals who identify as female or non-binary to apply (for clarity, this includes cisgender women, transgender women, and all non-binary and gender fluid people)
- You’re a practising musician (e.g. participating regularly in an ensemble, accompanying etc) interested in working with orchestras in the future
- You have a grasp of the basics of conducting such a beat pattern, cuing and articulation.
- You’re not currently undertaking or have completed advanced formal training
- You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen / resident
- You are available to attend the entire workshop period 12 – 13 April 2025
Note: all successful applicants to the 2 day module workshop program will have an online pre-training session and follow up session with course leader Ingrid Martin.

COST

With the generous bequest of Dr Louise Crossley there is no cost to participate in this program, however successful participants will need to organise their own travel to Nipaluna / Hobart and accommodation.

KEY DATES

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 28 Feb 2025
Successful participants notified: by 5pm, Friday 14 Mar 2025
2025 Training Program: 12 – 13 April 2025, Nipaluna / Hobart

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application form here. Applications open 20 Jan and close 28 Feb 2025.

Please note 2 video links (e.g. private YouTube, website etc) will be required for the selection panel.

Clip 1: An excerpt of you conducting an ensemble of 3 or more players. This can be any piece and show your skills to best advantage.
Clip 2: Mozart: Symphony no. 41, 1st movement, beginning until bar 38. This video should be recorded of you conducting alone in silence (not to a recording). Score available here: Symphony No.41 in C Major (Jupiter), K.551

An appropriate clip will:

Have the conductor front facing and centred in the screen.
Capture the top half of the body clearly, so arms and face can be observed.
Have good lighting.
Be between 3-5 minutes in length (an excerpt is fine)

The selection panel will be observing you – not the quality of the ensemble!

For any further questions please contact Director Artistic Development Kim Waldock.

Apply Here

Two individuals lead a conducting workshop, both standing in front of a wooden, soundproofed wall. The person on the left, smiling and gesturing confidently, appears to be demonstrating conducting movements, while the person on the right, also in a black shirt, guides their movement and engages expressively with an attentive gaze, giving feedback or guidance.

Ingrid Martin delivering a conducting workshop.

2025 Course Leader

Our 2025 course leader is Australian conductor Ingrid Martin. As a conductor and coach, Ingrid Martin empowers musicians to unlock deeper artistry, clarity and confidence. With over 15 years’ experience mentoring hundreds of conductors, Ingrid is sought after for her perceptive guidance and inclusive approach. Her distinctive mix of exceptional pedagogy and musical insight creates lasting, transformative change for conductors and their ensembles.

"Conductors are the conduit through which audiences and musicians connect with music. Conductors who can communicate ideas and meaning with clarity, authority and honesty are essential for classical music to keep thriving and evolving. I'm thrilled to work with the participants of the Louise Crossley Conductor Training Program, helping them develop their skills and artistic voices to bring back to their communities and ensembles."
– Ingrid Martin, 2025 Course Leader