Conducting Auditions

Edwin Outwater Conducting SFCM Orchestra

Below are the audition requirements for the Conducting area. For full details—including application requirements and audition dates—please visit our Application & Auditions page. Audition requirements are updated each September for the upcoming application cycle.

Live auditions will be held on campus in San Francisco. If you’re unable to attend in person, virtual auditions via video recording are available upon request once the audition scheduling module opens. Additional details can be found on the Application & Auditions page.

Applicants wanting to schedule a lesson with Edwin Outwater should first submit the application before reaching out to him.

Audition Requirements

Applicants invited through pre-screening 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 pre-screening requirements listed below with the application. Applicants will be informed if they are invited to attend an audition or have been denied in pre-screening.

Pre-Screening

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.

Audition

All finalists who make it through pre-screening must audition live in San Francisco. The audition will include conducting a rehearsal with a small string chamber orchestra. Repertoire will be given approximately 8 weeks before the audition.

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.)