Master of Fine Arts in Classical, Studio, Contemporary Conducting and Related Recording Technologies
offering modern conductors what they need the most:
-
Regular Weekly Conducting Experience with a Professional Orchestra
-
A Comprehensive One-Year Practical Experience: Classic Orchestral, Studio, Chamber, Live Orchestra to Film, Opera, Big Band
Malcolm Yuen
Program Director
Pedagogue, Conductor and Violinist. Associate Conductor, Dublin Philharmonic; Music Director, Irish Chamber Ensemble, and Juror, Wiener Musikseminar
Now Enrolling for 2021:
Interested in more information? Submit the form:
Students from the United States can request information about Financial Aid at
The Ultimate One-Year Practical Experience for the Modern Conductor
Conservatories and Universities around the world notoriously offer their conducting candidates a limited conducting curriculum, sometimes including intermittent rehearsals with their student orchestras.
We take an entirely different approach.
We've teamed up with the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra and are providing all of our conducting candidates 30 minutes of podium time with a professional orchestra every week. Plus, we've created the most comprehensive MFA degree program for the modern conductor offered by any University in the world.
10 Reimagined Modules
Designed in consultation with our conductors, orchestrators, music supervisors and mix engineers from around the world, we've crafted the ultimate 54-credit Masters program for modern conductors.
Module 1
Fundamentals of Symphonic Conducting Technique
The universal language of gesture. Candidates pursue bespoke individual conducting studies at the Conservatory with distinguished resident and visiting conductors. With an emphasis on refining performance practice, artistry and technique, and developing and improving interpretive skills through consideration, reflection and the application of current practice styles across a broad range of symphonic conducting repertoire, from the Baroque through the 20th Century periods.
OUR PROFESSORS
Conducting with Derek Gleeson, Music Director of the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra and Executive Director of the European Academy of Fine Arts
Live Orchestra to Film with John Beal, acclaimed American film composer and conductor
Concerto conducting with Nayden Todorov, Music Director of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
6 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Six merit-based scholarships offered to qualifying students as determined by the Admissions Board.
No additional scholarship applications. All accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships.
Nayden Todorov
Scholarship
The Admissions Board and Nayden Todorov will grant the "Nayden Todorov Scholarship" to an accepted student in Spring 2021. Submit the program deposit before January 1st, 2021 to qualify.
€3,000
Amount:
John Beal Scholarship
The Admissions Board and John Beal will grant the "John Beal Scholarship" to an accepted student in Spring 2021. Submit the program deposit before February 1st, 2021 to qualify.
€3,000
Amount:
Valeri Vachev Scholarship
In Memoriam of the great Valeri Vachev, Principal Conductor of the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra. Submit the program deposit before March 1st, 2021 to qualify for this scholarship.
€3,000
Amount:
Derek Gleeson
Scholarship
The Admissions Board and Derek Gleeson will make a joint decision and name an annual "Derek Gleeson Scholarship" recipient.
Amount:
€3,000
Malcolm Yuen
Scholarship
The Admissions Board and Programme Director Malcolm Yuen will make a joint decision and name an annual "Malcolm Yuen Scholarship" recipient.
Amount:
€3,000
Christo Pavlov Scholarship
The Admissions Board and Christo Pavlov will make a joint decision and name an annual "Christo Pavlov Scholarship" recipient.
Amount:
€3,000
OUR CONDUCTORS IN ACTION
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Academic Calendar
Two semesters of course work with a third semester dedicated to the Major Project.
Tuition & Fees
Total Course Tuition: €24,450
Costs of Living in Sofia
Visa Requirements
Students from the EU do not need a Visa.
Application Requirements
Submitting your application to The Conducting Institute is simple; please click here.
-
video examples of you conducting three (3) different pieces of contrasting styles (these need to be uploaded to a video streaming service such as YouTube or Vimeo so that you can insert links into your application for the Admissions Board to view)
-
1-page Letter of Interest, detailing why you are a viable candidate to be considered by the Admissions Board for the MFA Program
-
copies (Image or PDF) of any music degrees / certifications you have earned
-
CV / Resume (PDF format)