The Course
Established in 1983 under the direction of Colin Metters, the Academy’s postgraduate conducting programme is now internationally recognised as one of the foremost programmes in conductor training.
The course provides a comprehensive and integrated programme over three years, examining what lies behind the art and craft of conducting and the role and responsibilities of the conductor, and seeks a better understanding of the complex relationship that exists between conductor and performers. The course is designed to provide a strong technical foundation, studying laws of cause and effect as they relate to conducting, and to develop the ability to be both self-aware and self-critical in all aspects of the conductor’s craft.
Students have the opportunity to work with varied instrumental ensembles on a regular basis as well as in orchestral workshops. Following a major review in 2007, orchestral conducting provision has now been significantly enhanced. Selected students can also conduct concert performances in the Academy’s official orchestral programme as and when appropriate.
Regular classes are held throughout the term under the direction of Colin Metters. Additional masterclasses are given by visiting guest conductors, who have included Sir Colin Davis, Ilya Musin (St. Petersburg Conservatoire), Jorma Panula (Sibelius Academy, Helsinki), Claus Peter Flor, Yuri Simonov, Lutz Köhler (Berlin), Sir Roger Norrington, Sir Charles Mackerras, Leonard Slatkin, Kenneth Kiesler (Michigan), Carl Topilow (Cleveland), Gunter Kahlert (Weimar) and Thomas Baldner (Indiana).
George Hurst also visits once each term to work with the conductors’ class.
Repertoire over the course is broad-based, the mainstream orchestral and concerto repertoire forming the central core of the curriculum.
The course maintains a strong link with the Composition and Contemporary Music Department and the Manson Ensemble, working on established twentieth-century repertoire and on premières of student compositions, the conductors working in direct collaboration with the composers. Students also work with Royal Academy Opera and the Vocal Faculty on various projects and workshops throughout the year, and have the opportunity to work with the Academy’s instrumental ensembles and orchestras.
Additional studies, including aural classes, keyboard skills, transposition and score-reading, take place regularly throughout the course.
Conducting Options for other Students
There is strong provision for both undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to pursue conducting studies but who are not on the postgraduate Conducting course itself.
> Undergraduate Conducting: This is designed to equip all second-year students with a basic conducting technique, enabling them to show tempo and some degree of texture and dynamic through gesture.
> Conducting Elective: Students should have attained a 2:1 grade in the second-year exam to be eligible for this. However, any second-year student who shows particular ability and wishes to undertake more intensive study may also join the elective class. This course involves study of specific repertoire and baton technique.
> Intermediate Level: Acceptance is by audition. Students would normally have completed the elective, but any student in the Academy may audition for this course in order to receive individual tuition.
Notable recent alumni
Paul Brough: Principal Conductor, Hanover Band
Richard Farnes: Music Director, Opera North
Rumon Gamba: Leading international conductor
Edward Gardner: Music Director, English National Opera
Christian Ludwig: Principal Conductor, Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Ludovic Morlot: Leading international conductor
Paul Murphy: Principal Conductor, Birmingham Royal Ballet
Toby Purser: Assistant conductor, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Ilan Volkov: Leading international conductor
Martin West: Musical Director and Principal Conductor, San Francisco Ballet
Mark Wigglesworth: Leading international conductor