Orchestra Conducting

The orchestra conducting study programme is a 3-year soloist programme with an international study environment. We train conductors at the highest level and admit students from all over the world. Admission requires a high artistic level and as very few students are admitted each year, the focus is on developing each conductor's particular talent.

Admission requires that you have a solid theoretical background in ear training, theory, music history. We test you in this at the entrance examination. In addition, you must have an obvious musical talent and a high technical level in conducting to build on. You must have good English skills. Please note that being a student on the orchestral conducting programme is a full-time commitment.

We admit students from a variety of musical backgrounds. You can apply with a background in orchestral conducting or a master's degree in another professional music practice such as the violin or the piano. You must be able to demonstrate a broad artistic vision, and you should be willing to learn in a collective study environment, where we have joint teaching with the conducting students as well as with other students in the other study programmes.

About the teaching

From your first semester you will be conducting both your fellow students and professional orchestras. We have cooperation agreements with Denmark's 5 regional orchestras, with whom we run regular annual projects. Spending time on the podium conducting is the core of the soloist training.

In the classroom teaching we work with techniques for score study, discussions of stylistic choices, conducting issues, communication with the orchestra and rehearsal techniques. We record you, when you conduct the orchestra and analyse your performance in class for shared learning. You should want to be part of a class, take part in the conversation, and take constructive criticism as part of your learning. We expect you and your fellow students to prepare together and talk together. You learn a lot from each other and relating to others can strengthen your process of finding your own voice and way of working.

The study environment at RDAM is inspiring and social – in the conducting class and across RDAM. There are parties, concerts, events, and Friday bars, where you can unwind with your fellow students.  

Your lecturers are all active conductors and work professionally alongside their teaching. At RDAM, professors and students have an informal tone, and we have a professional community that you benefit from well into your professional life.

Career

The close collaboration with professional orchestras, your fellow students and with your teachers gives you every opportunity to create a strong network in the industry. You will meet the entire Danish music scene during the study programme and, as it is a small environment, you will actively use your network in your professional life.

We frequently invite international guest teachers and conductors to teach and to give master classes at RDAM. This helps to strengthen your international network. We are also happy to support students' participation in international master classes and competitions. And of course, there are opportunities to study at other conservatoires and universities around the world.