Conducting

The Curtis conducting program provides young artists with the skills and experience to build rich and vibrant careers in the worlds of orchestra and opera.

Studying conducting at Curtis is designed to provide promising young conductors with one-of-a-kind training in operatic and symphonic repertoire. In keeping with Curtis’ “learn by doing” approach, conducting fellows gain vital experience through opportunities leading rehearsals and performances of Curtis Symphony Orchestra, the Lab Orchestra, Curtis New Music Ensemble, and Curtis Opera Theatre.

The Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellows are taught and mentored by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera, and James Ross, Director of Orchestral Studies, and Miloš Repický, Hirsig Family Chair in Vocal Studies. They assist visiting conductors at Curtis and have full access to Curtis’s performance and musical studies faculties. Fellows will also regularly observe rehearsals and performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera.

“The idea that Curtis will help create conductors who are equally at home in the worlds of both operatic and orchestral conducting—as I am—is unique in this country.” —Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Head of Conducting

Conducting Faculty

  • Conducting Curriculum

    Degree programs available within the conducting department include the following.

    • Post-Baccalaureate Diploma

    Learn more about the curriculum comprising the conducting department.

    Learn More

  • Conducting Audition Requirements

    Auditions for entry in fall 2025 will take place in February and March of 2025. Audition dates will be posted by October 2024.

    Learn More

Student Performances

Special Thanks

Curtis Institute of Music is grateful for the visionary generosity of the Rita E. and Gustave M. Hauser Chair in Conducting Studies, which supports appearances by Curtis Symphony Orchestra guest conductors each year. Curtis additionally recognizes Rita Hauser’s commitment to the future of conducting through her continued support of the Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellowships, held by Curtis’s conducting students.