July 12-18, 2027 | California State University, Fullerton

Chorus America’s Choral-Orchestral Conducting Academy gives choral conductors a unique opportunity to develop choral-orchestral skills and enhance their university training. During this week-long program, participating conductors will have the opportunity to study one-on-one with expert faculty and conduct choral-orchestral repertoire. The Academy culminates with a final performance in Meng Concert Hall on the campus of California State University, Fullerton.

Repertoire

• Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
• The Tender Land Suite by Aaron Copland (Fellows only) 

Conducting Fellows ($1,500)

The Fellows Program is designed for conductors who have some experience working with orchestra and would like to improve their skills. Fellows in the program work with a small string and piano ensemble throughout the week, culminating in an opportunity to conduct a full orchestra. We encourage applications from applicants who identify with some or all of the following:

• Currently serve as conductors of independent or religiously affiliated choruses, 
• Currently serve as conductors of choruses affiliated with educational institutions, 
• Have completed an advanced degree in choral conducting, but do not currently serve as a conductor, and/or 
• Are currently enrolled in an advanced degree program in conducting. 

There is a $35 application fee. Participation is limited to 12 Fellows. 

*Please note: Registration fees listed do not include travel or accommodations during the week of the Conducting Academy.  

Conducting Scholars ($1,050)

The Scholars Program is designed for any conductor or conducting student who wishes to learn and become more comfortable with choral-orchestral conducting. These participants may have limited experience conducting instrumentalists or would like to focus on working with small instrumental ensembles. Conducting scholars work with piano during the week and end the week with a small string and piano ensemble. Educational training and experience in the field of choral conducting is assumed. We encourage applications from applicants who identify with some or all of the following:

• Have experience conducting at an educational institution, or an independent or religiously affiliated chorus, 
• Have completed an undergraduate program in music, and/or 
• Are currently enrolled in a master's-level program in music.

There is a $35 application fee. Participation is limited to 12 Scholars. 

*Please note: Registration fees listed do not include travel, accommodations, or meals during the week of the Conducting Academy.  

Application requirements for both Fellows and Scholars include:

• Contact information; short narrative questions; your resume/CV with conducting and singing experiences listed separately.
• 2-3 YouTube or Vimeo video excerpts totaling 10 minutes showcasing the conductor’s best work; videos represent work from the last two seasons.
  • Performance recordings and/or recordings with orchestra are encouraged but not required; rehearsal recordings are acceptable; single takes are encouraged; no videos of warmups. 
  • Applicant videos will be scored based on Technique, Communication, Score Interpretation, and Musicality/Expression. Videos should be facing the conductor as much as possible to allow the panel to review these criteria – avoid videos facing the chorus or used as promotional material. 
• Be a member of Chorus America. Not sure of your membership status or have any questions? Email membership@chorusamerica.org. 
• $35 application fee

Deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 1, 2026. All applicants will be notified of their status by mid-March, 2027. 

Questions? Please reach out to Karyn Castro, associate director of programs and member services, at karyn@chorusamerica.org.