Conducting Studio | Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Back to Academic Programs

In the conducting studio at the Lamont School of Music, students explore the complexities of conducting Western art music with the help of student-led ensembles and our world-class music faculty. Delving into choral, orchestral, and wind ensemble styles, students gain practical experience leading performers while learning to manage the non-musical responsibilities common to conducting roles. No matter which degree program you choose, you will receive a great deal of podium time with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra, Lamont Wind Ensemble, or one of our choirs.

Lamont's orchestral conducting program is led by Lawrence Golan, who currently serves as music director of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Denver Philharmonic, and York Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Joseph Martin, whose performance experience in brass instruments ranges from Denver Brass to the Aries Brass Quartet and beyond, directs wind ensemble studies. Catherine Sailer chairs the choral conducting program, bringing years of experience and accolades as a conductor with the Colorado Ballet Orchestra and other prestigious ensembles.

Graduate Programs

Master of Music in Conducting
Certificate in Conducting
Artist Diploma in Conducting

Audition and Application Requirements

Master of Music, Certificate in Conducting

Preliminary Round
Preliminary Round
Orchestral
By December 16th, in addition to the general DU and Lamont graduate application requirements (which include additional language requirements for international students), applicants must satisfy these requirements:
1. Upload 3-6 videos of the applicant conducting (no specific repertoire requirements; concert footage preferred, but rehearsal footage acceptable).
2. Provide a résumé detailing previous conducting experiences.
3. Provide a written statement of the candidate's availability and preferences regarding the two final round audition dates listed below.
4. Optional: Include letters of recommendation from those who have seen the applicant conduct.
Choral
By December 16th, in addition to the general DU and Lamont graduate application requirements (which include additional language requirements for international students), applicants must satisfy these requirements:
1. Upload videos of the applicant conducting two contrasting pieces (or portions of larger works), preferably including rehearsal. Maximum of 12 minutes.
2. Provide a résumé detailing previous conducting experiences.
Wind
In addition to the general DU and Lamont graduate application requirements (which include additional language requirements for international students), applicants must provide a résumé detailing previous conducting experiences. There is no preliminary video round.

Final Round
Final Round

If accepted into the final round, applicants will:

Orchestral
1. Complete an in-person conducting audition with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra on Monday, January 27, 2025 OR on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Repertoire to be determined. Please plan travel to accommodate a full schedule on the day of your audition.
2. Interview with Lawrence Golan (on the day of the audition between 9:30 am and 10:30 am).
3. Take a written test* to determine the candidate's knowledge of the orchestra (on the day of the audition).
Note: Professor Golan will be leading the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra’s International Conducting Workshop, Concert & Competition from February 19 through 24. Applicants for the LSO Orchestral Conducting are encouraged to apply for that opportunity as well. Further information may be found at denverphilharmonic.org.

Choral
1. Complete an in-person conducting audition with the Lamont Chorale on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Candidates may obtain a list of the repertoire by emailing Dr. Sailer at Catherine.Sailer@du.edu. You may choose two pieces from the list to perform. Please plan travel to accommodate a full schedule on the day of your audition.
2. Take a written test on the day of the audition to determine the candidate's knowledge of choral literature and score analysis skills.
3. Complete an interview with Dr. Sailer.
Wind
1. Complete an in-person conducting audition with the Lamont Wind Ensemble. The date will be determined in consultation with Dr. Joseph Martin and per the candidate's availability.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation from those who have seen the applicant conduct.

Artist Diploma

Preliminary Round
Preliminary Round
Orchestral
By December 16th, in addition to the general DU and Lamont graduate application requirements (which include additional language requirements for international students), applicants must satisfy these requirements:
1. Upload 3-6 videos of the applicant conducting (no specific repertoire requirements; concert footage preferred, but rehearsal footage acceptable).
2. Provide a résumé detailing previous conducting experiences.
3. Provide a written statement of the candidate's availability and preferences regarding the two final round audition dates listed below.
4. Provide two letters of recommendation from those who have seen the applicant conduct.
Choral
By December 16th, in addition to the general DU and Lamont graduate application requirements (which include additional language requirements for international students), applicants must satisfy these requirements:
1. Upload videos of the applicant conducting two contrasting pieces (or portions of larger works), preferably including rehearsal. Maximum of 12 minutes.
2. Provide a résumé detailing previous conducting experiences.
3. Provide two letters of recommendation from those who have seen the applicant conduct.
Wind
By December 16th, in addition to the general DU and Lamont graduate application requirements (which include additional language requirements for international students), applicants must satisfy these requirements:
1. Upload 3-6 videos of the applicant conducting (no specific repertoire requirements; concert footage preferred, but rehearsal footage acceptable).
2. Provide a résumé detailing previous conducting experiences.
3. Provide two letters of recommendation from those who have seen the applicant conduct.

Final Round
Final Round

If accepted into the final round, applicants will:

Orchestral
1. Complete an in-person conducting audition with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra on Monday, January 27, 2025 OR on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Repertoire to be determined. Please plan travel to accommodate a full schedule on the day of your audition.
2. Interview with Lawrence Golan (on the day of the audition between 9:30 am and 10:30 am).
3. Take a written test* to determine the candidate's knowledge of the orchestra (on the day of the audition).
Note: Professor Golan will be leading the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra’s International Conducting Workshop, Concert & Competition from February 19 through 24. Applicants for the LSO Orchestral Conducting are encouraged to apply for that opportunity as well. Further information may be found at denverphilharmonic.org.

Choral
1. Complete an in-person conducting audition with the Lamont Chorale on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Candidates may obtain a list of the repertoire by emailing Dr. Sailer at Catherine.Sailer@du.edu. You may choose two pieces from the list to perform. Please plan travel to accommodate a full schedule on the day of your audition.
2. Take a written test on the day of the audition to determine the candidate's knowledge of choral literature and score analysis skills.
3. Complete an interview with Dr. Sailer.
Wind
1. Complete an in-person conducting audition with the Lamont Wind Ensemble. The date will be determined in consultation with Dr. Joseph Martin and per the candidate's availability.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation from those who have seen the applicant conduct.