Ready to Apply?
Applications open! Application fee is $25 and for those accepted participation fee is $150 for the day. Submit your resume and 2-3 conducting video excerpts below.
Conducting Labs 2025–26
Empowering the Next Generation of Conductors
Three immersive labs. Real podium time. World-class faculty. Professional musicians.
The Symphony of the Rockies Conducting Labs are a one-of-a-kind opportunity for emerging and working conductors to refine their skills and gain essential hands-on experience.
Why the Conducting Labs?
Podium time is the rarest commodity in conducting. These Labs bridge the gap between the classroom and the concert hall, providing the training, mentorship, and performance experience conductors need to thrive.
Participants work closely with a professional ensemble and receive focused instruction on:
Musical expression and communication
Baton and movement technique
Score study and rehearsal flow
Music entrepreneurship and real-world leadership
Who Can Apply?
The Labs are designed for:
Graduate students in conducting and orchestral studies
High school and community orchestra directors
Working conductors seeking to sharpen their orchestral skills
The 2025–26 Labs
Mahler Symphony No. 2 Lab
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10:30am - 7:30pm
10:45am Alexander Technique (Molly Kittle)
11:45am Conducting Session 1
2:45pm Relaxation Development (Abel Villacorta)
4:30pm-7:30pm Conducting Session 2
String quintet + soloists and chorus members. Focus on score study, movement coaching, and rehearsal techniques.
score study session - Mahler Symphony no. 2
movement with Alexander Technique with Molly Kittle
relaxation technique with Abel Villacorta
two conducting sessions with ensemble
location: Colorado Music Institute
Rite of Spring Lab - Date TBA
Study Stravinsky’s groundbreaking score and culminate in a full orchestra session.Beethoven Celebration Lab - Dates TBA
Step into the spotlight and conduct a public concert featuring a Beethoven symphony and piano concerto as the culmination of the Lab.
What’s Included?
Extensive podium time (around 45+ minutes per participant)
Video review and personalized coaching from world-class faculty
Networking opportunities with guest conductors and musicians
Free community observation—inviting audiences behind the scenes
Observers Welcome
All Labs are open for community members to observe, thanks to generous support from the T Gordon Parks Trust and Colorado Music Institute.
Conducting Labs
Our Conducting Labs are open to conductors who want to work on the following aspects of their art:
expressing the music & communication
rehearsal technique & flow
score study
baton technique
movement
music entrepreneurship
These workshops are for the following conductors:
students in graduate school
orchestra directors of high school
working conductors who want to sharpen their orchestral skills within a supportive environment
The Symphony of the Rockies conducting labs are made possible by a generous grant from the T Gordon Parks Trust, and Colorado Music Institute.
