Conducting Fellowship FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does OAcademy take place?
OAcademy provides an innovative global platform for rising musicians irrespective of location. We use technology to connect you with the music sector’s most prominent artists, professionals, and respected music institutions, all from the convenience of your home studio, no matter where you are. OAcademy uses Zoom for all sessions. We combine an immersive digital curriculum with short in-person retreats and residency opportunities across the globe.
What in-person activities are offered through OAcademy?
Residency opportunities are an optional, extra component of the curriculum, and they are developed on an ongoing basis. OAcademy works with a network of partners to broker in-person opportunities both during and beyond the Fellowship, based on Fellows’ individual needs and aspirations. Professional development opportunities are awarded to Fellows who receive the highest grades in the Assessments. These opportunities differ each year depending on what possibilities exist with our partner organizations. Typically a number of Fellows would be invited to travel to work as Assistant Conductors with partner orchestras/opera houses/ballet companies/conductors, for example OAcademy Orchestra Institute residency with Carlos Miguel Prieto, orchestra residency in Mexico; an apprenticeship with Leonard Slatkin (various locations), Marta Gardolińska (France), Alexander Shelly (USA/ Canada) or Cláudio Cruz (Brazil) to name just a few.
Audition concept / design
The panel has designed the audition process in the hope that applicants don’t need to spend a long time preparing / recording / formatting videos. Video 1 and Video 2 are designed to be short tasks. Video 3 and Video 4 may be any video you have of yourself conducting. The panel is happy to view Videos 3 and 4 from any time position: please just indicate the time from which you’d like the panel to view your video.
Why is Video 1 (Mozart: Symphony no. 41, 1st movement) required to be in silence, without an orchestra / ensemble / piano / recording / singing?
The audition panel feels that it is important that every applicant undertakes an identical task so that the best possible decisions can be made. Furthermore, this video presents an opportunity for a conductor to show how compelling they are: if you cannot be compelling in silence, it is unlikely you will be able to effectively compel an ensemble to follow your lead.
For Video 3 and 4, may I submit a video conducting a piano, pianos, or reduced orchestration?
Whilst it is important that applicants regularly undertake opportunities to conduct orchestras and ensembles, the panel understands that logistical considerations may prevent some applicants from achieving this within the audition time-frame. Therefore, in the hope of ensuring that these auditions are open to all, we permit videos with reduced orchestrations.
Must I submit a recently recorded video?
No. Your videos may have been recorded at any time.