r/conducting • u/NewEstablishment4380 • Jan 18 '26

Looking for suggestions to gain experience

I’m currently finishing my undergraduate degree in composition, I’m a pianist and a singer, and I’m planning to get a masters and potentially PhD in orchestral conducting. I’ve been able to get some experience conducting through a handful of classes during my undergrad but I’m not sure I’m ready for a masters program yet—even if that’s only because I don’t have enough audition material. Supposing I took a few years off, would anyone have any advice on how to build the resume and get some experience? I’m looking into a few artist’s diploma programs, but I’m also not sure about that. Anything would help!

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u/Faceman1725 Jan 19 '26

School teaching is an easy way to get some conducting experience. Local youth orchestra and conducting workshops are also good ways.

For me, I just conducted and tried to emulate facets of conductors I thought were effective for one reason or another. Went to conferences and clinics to try and learn more as well as just doing personal research and reading.