Conductors Academy

23/01/2026

Have you ever wondered about the difficulties of music where the composer indicates a slow tempo but within an alla breve time signature? If so then a new post from Jonathan Brett about the introduction of Mozart's overture to Die Zauberflöte might help.

A recent post on a Facebook conductors group about the tempo connection between the Adagio and Allegro in Mozart’s overture to Die Zauberflöte drew a great deal of comment about the opening of this piece. Although not the only matter with which I would be inclined to take issue, there was one pro...

09/01/2026

Online classes start today at 1600 London time for our new cohort of scholarship award holders. The journey begins!

29/12/2025

Last chance for new applicants to apply for scholarships for 2026.

With online classes, lessons, repertoire study and the opportunity to conduct a fine orchestra in Budapest, the Audite International Masterclass provides an exceptional opportunity to find the keys to real mastery of the art of conducting - and all those accepted are eligible to receive scholarship support.

A few lucky people will be able to join this outstanding programme in 2026 - but applications close on December 31.

The Conductors Academy is for those who view the podium not as a goal, but as the starting point for beautiful music. It is a launchpad for those aiming to transition to real mastery.

18/12/2025

Christmas teaser!

The first picture shows highlights on the second violin part of the first movement of Mendelssohn's 4th Symphony - on an E in measure 91 and and F # in measure 95. These notes form part of two renditions of the same phrase which is repeated by the same instruments - violins and violas. Apart from an octave displacement, the change from E to F # for second violin in the second iteration is the only difference.

The second picture shows the same passage in the 1833 autograph score and this has exactly the same notes. So there appears to be no possibility that the note change derives from any third party error during the production process.

Of course, this moment passes so fast that it is extremely unlikely that anyone without a score and incredibly sharp ears would ever notice this tiny difference, and even then it would only happen if they were specifically listening for it. But if, God forbid, a sharp-eyed second violinist raises this thorny problem in a rehearsal, what are you going to say?

A: the musical content of the second phrase should be different and the printed notes are correct.
B: Mendelssohn himself made a mistake and the F # in measure 95 should be E.
C: the converse of the above - it should be F # both times.

We wish everyone a fabulous festive season! Don't forget that (other than for those already in the programme) , the closing date for applying for scholarships for 2026 is December 31. Apply at conductorsacademy.org/scholarships/

10/12/2025

Online classes, lessons, repertoire study and the opportunity to conduct a fine orchestra in Budapest. The Audite International Masterclass provides an exceptional opportunity to find the keys to real mastery of the art of conducting - and all those accepted are eligible to receive scholarship support.

A few lucky people will be able to join this outstanding programme in 2026 - but you must apply by December 31.
conductorsacademy.org/scholarships/

13/11/2025

25/07/2025

Audite International Masterclass 2025 - final performances by Karolina Csáthy, Kamil Parcheta and Sam McLellan and congratulations for all the participants from directors Jonathan Brett and Maciej Żółtowski.

22/07/2025

Audite International Masterclass 2025 - the first day with orchestra.

17/07/2025

“The acid test of the skill of a conductor is what they can achieve in performance without rehearsal.”
CA director Jonathan Brett at the Audite International Masterclass 2025, where we provide the chance for conductors to test themselves against this yardstick.

11/07/2025

The stage is set for the final performances of the Audite International Masterclass 2025, tomorrow at 1000 CET.
The programme is works for strings by Dvorak, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and Brahms conducted by Karolina Csathy, Kamil Parcheta, Sam McLellan and CA director Jonathan Brett. It’s been a wonderful week in Budapest with 13 very talented conductors and the wonderful Solti Chamber Orchestra.

01/05/2025

"This course is truly unique in the world, led by a master of the highest artistic integrity and craftsmanship.” There is just one scholarship place left for the Audite International Masterclass 2025 in Budapest from 4-12 July. Click the link to apply.

There is just one scholarship place available for the 2025 Audite International Masterclass. The successful applicant will be able to attend the Budapest class and conduct the Solti Chamber Orchestra. The full cost of the class is in excess of £2,000 but scholarship holders are required to contribu...

02/01/2025

Wishing all our supporters a very Happy New Year! Why not get it off to a flying start? We still have some FREE places available for our Better Conducting classes, online from 6-10 January. Full details at conductorsacademy.org/better-conducting.