Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Conducting & Ensemble Direction Summer Course
London, United Kingdom
Summer Course
DURATION
4 days
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 515
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* summer course is now full | please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place becomes available
Key Summary
About: The Guildhall School of Music & Drama runs a four-day Conducting & Ensemble Direction Summer Course that teaches physical conducting technique and ensemble leadership. You’ll conduct repertoire and train in score preparation, rehearsal technique and verbal communication. A digital score is provided in advance and a course booklet on day one; you don’t need a baton.
Career Outcomes: This course can sharpen podium technique, score-reading and rehearsal skills that support roles such as conductor, assistant conductor, ensemble director and rehearsal leader. It can also support chamber leadership, music direction, teaching and freelancing by strengthening ensemble management and communication skills.
About Conducting & Ensemble Direction
This four-day course will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and you will conduct a variety of repertoire.
Whilst the focus of the course will be on the practical application of conducting technique, you will also receive training in ensemble direction, including score preparation, rehearsal technique and effective verbal communication.
Do I need anything for the course?
Prior to the beginning of the course, you will be encouraged to study the music that will be covered during the course. A digital copy of the sheet music to be studied will be provided in advance of the course. At the beginning of the course you will be provided with a course booklet which will contain all the music to be used in the course.
You do not need to own a conducting baton to attend the course.
Bookings for Summer Schools are now closed. Contact us if you are interested to sign up to Guildhall School’s Short Courses mailing list to be the first to hear about new Guildhall Courses
What can I expect?
You will leave the course with the ability to direct ensembles confidently. Participants will develop a thorough understanding of the physical, technical skills of conducting. In addition, participants will be able to lead rehearsals efficiently and effectively by exploring best practices in - for example - score preparation, rehearsal planning, and verbal communication.
You can expect to conduct a variety of repertoire, initially with two pianists and later with a chamber ensemble. These sessions will be filmed, and copies of the video will be distributed to all participants. Following the course, participants are encouraged to record themselves conducting their own ensemble, in order to receive post-course feedback from the tutor.
Who is the course for?
- Music educators, professional musicians, and music students with or without conducting experience
- Music educators may be, for example, classroom teachers, peripatetic instrumental / singing teachers, or music service teachers. Professional musicians may already conduct ensembles or be interested in exploring conducting in their career in the future
Course Dates & Times
- Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 July 2026
- 10.30am–5.30pm