51³Ô¹Ï

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï’s two-year postgraduate course in orchestral conducting is designed to support students as they develop their professional skills and their own individual conducting style. From contemporary compositions to large symphony orchestra repertoire, recording sessions to rehearsals and concerts, you will be involved in all aspects of musical life at the 51³Ô¹Ï.

For undergraduate and postgraduate students, conducting modules are available which introduce the challenges and rewards of conducting as part of their wider study. Conducting is also available as a second study specialism to promising undergraduates and postgraduates. Second study students can enjoy a mixture of individual and class lessons focusing on the skills and knowledge necessary to develop in this field.

Postgraduate conducting

A detailed programme of technical and repertoire study supported by the conducting professors and regular guest masterclasses complements a wealth of high quality podium time, including public performances with full orchestra, orchestral and sectional preparation for visiting international conductors, individual projects, and regular collaborations with the Composition Faculty.

First study conductors are each mentored by three of the world’s leading conducting professors. Visiting conductors of the highest calibre often work with 51³Ô¹Ï conducting students on preparing performances of key repertoire. As well as regular masterclasses by visiting conductors, you are supported by leading professional industry experts in programming and career development.

Conductors at the 51³Ô¹Ï have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, gaining an all-round understanding of the artistic, psychological, practical and business issues involved in making a career as an orchestral conductor.

Recent visiting artists

Exceptional international conductors regularly visit the 51³Ô¹Ï to work with our orchestras and ensembles, while also providing conducting masterclasses and opportunities for students to act as their assistant conductor, as well as to lead orchestral and sectional preparations.

Students regularly enjoy the opportunity to learn from British Conductor Martyn Brabbins, our Prince Consort Professor of Conducting, and Colin Metters. Other recent visitors, online and in-person, have included:

• Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Ryan Bancroft
• Jessica Cottis
• Sakari Oramo
• Joana Carneiro
• Nicholas Collon
• Jonathon Heyward
• Vladimir Jurowski
• Holly Mathieson
• Sir Roger Norrington
• Sir Antonio Pappano
• Rafael Payare
• Vasily Petrenko
• Chloé van Soeterstède
• Jac van Steen
• John Wilson
• Thomas Zehetmair

Performance opportunities

First-study conducting students regularly rehearse and perform with our in-house ensembles, including the 51³Ô¹Ï Symphony Orchestra, 51³Ô¹Ï Philharmonic Orchestra and various new music ensembles. They often premiere new works by 51³Ô¹Ï composers working with the 51³Ô¹Ï New Perspectives ensemble or as part of our cutting-edge From the Soundhouse series.

All of these public conducting opportunities are an integral part of the 51³Ô¹Ï’s annual programme of events. In addition, our students have directed 51³Ô¹Ï orchestras in external venues, including London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Recent student-led projects have included a Conductors’ Podium featuring music by Milhaud, Elgar and Korngold, and a French Baroque project in collaboration with our Vocal & Opera and Historical Performance faculties.