Conducting Auditions

Edwin Outwater Conducting SFCM Orchestra

Welcome, conducting students!

Below, you'll find the audition requirements for the conducting area. For additional details and application information, please visit the Application & Auditions page. Applicants wanting to schedule a lesson with Edwin Outwater should first submit the application before reaching out to him.

Audition Dates

All live auditions will be held on-campus in San Francisco. Please visit the Application & Auditions page to view dates.

Audition Requirements

Applicants invited through prescreening will be required to audition live at SFCM. This will include conducting a rehearsal with a small string chamber orchestra. Repertoire will be given approximately 8 weeks before the audition.

All conducting applicants are required to submit unedited audiovisual recordings fulfilling the prescreening requirements listed below with the application. Applicants will be informed if they are invited to attend an audition or have been denied in prescreening.

Prescreening

At least 30 minutes of unedited concert AND rehearsal footage in a variety of repertoire. Ensembles should be a full orchestra or large chamber ensemble that includes strings.
An audiovisual recording of the applicant performing one or two pieces on their primary instrument.

Skills Assessment

Ear training test: intervals, chords and progressions, error identification, intonation, rhythm
Basic score reading, including transpositions and clefs
Written test covering knowledge of repertoire, orchestration, music theory, and music history
Candidates are encouraged to present themselves on their primary instrument and/or to present other musical strengths (piano, composition, etc.)