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Uni of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ and ASO take up the baton on conductor training

Friday, 18 August 2017

The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's and the (ASO) have joined forces to offer an internationally unique conducting program.

The program will prepare students aspiring to be professional conductors at the highest level. It is the first time an Australian university and orchestra have collaborated on such a degree program for conductors. Students of the course will have the opportunity to conduct the ASO in masterclass situations and work as assistants on specific ASO projects.

Students can study for a Master of Music degree, a Graduate Diploma, or do an Honours year majoring in conducting. Regular conducting classes will be held at the Elder Conservatorium, including one-to-one sessions, sessions with two pianos and sessions with a small chamber orchestra based around a core of five professional players.

Opportunities to conduct the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, and Elder Conservatorium New Music Collective will also be made available to students.

"Of the six Australian professional symphony orchestras, only one has an Australian conductor – the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Symphony Orchestra’s Nicholas Carter. Our new course seeks to redress this imbalance and give Australian conductors a pathway to the professional podium," says Dr Luke Dollman, Lecturer in Conducting at the University's Elder Conservatorium of Music.

ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Symphony Orchestra’s Managing Director, Vincent Ciccarello, says: "This collaboration with the Elder Conservatorium is an exciting one and reflects the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to music education, training and development.

"We believe that through the joint delivery of this postgraduate conducting program, we are not only investing in young people but also playing a part in creating the future generation of conductors in Australia. It’s important to recognise that in Nicholas Carter, the ASO has the only Australian Principal Conductor of all Australian orchestras.

"We look forward to receiving applications for this dynamic new program that aims to discover and nurture home-grown talent."

ASO Principal Conductor Nicholas Carter says: "I'm very excited about this excellent program – giving aspiring conductors the kind of training and experience that is so often lacking in our music education institutions. Luke has a huge amount of experience and expertise and indeed carries the torch for an approach to nurturing conductors that he learnt from one of the great conducting teachers of our time – Jorma Panula.

"Giving the students access to the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Symphony, both in masterclass situations and opportunities to assist on large projects throughout the year, is something that I and the ASO are delighted to provide. It reaffirms our commitment to making sure that talent and potential is supported in the right way, the benefits of which are felt throughout ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ and the broader Australian music scene."

Professor Graeme Koehne, AO, Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, says: "The Elder Conservatorium enjoys an international reputation for excellence and innovation in music education and professional practice.

"We are thrilled to offer this postgraduate program, which offers students the opportunity to gain invaluable and practical experience working with one of Australia’s most prestigious symphony orchestras. The Master’s program will equip aspiring conductors with the artistic and intellectual capacity to excel in this most exciting and demanding art form."

Selected applicants have the opportunity to do a live audition with the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Symphony Orchestra on 10 October, with applications closing on 25 September 2017.

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