London Musical Arts Conducting Course
25 September - 7 December 2019, central London
working with the class ensemble, I Maestri Orchestra, and London Musical Arts Ensemble
Whether you are a professional musician, student, teacher or choir director, the LMA Conducting Course is a great opportunity to develop your work on the podium.
You will get regular conducting experience with the class instrumental ensemble, learning ‘on the job’ from an experienced teacher with your colleagues in a supportive environment, and take part in rehearsals and public performances in London.
Please note that all 'Principal' places for the current course are fully subscribed. Late entry may be considered for 'Associates' and 'Observers'. Musicians who wish to play in the class ensemble are welcome free of charge (grade 8 + only) . For these and any other enquiries, including joining the mailing list for future courses, please email the course Director, John Landor.
The course includes score-study and analysis, conducting and rehearsal technique, embodiment, characterisation, how to connect with the music and musicians and influence an ensemble effectively and appropriately. The teaching is responsive to each participants’ individual needs, building on their strengths and addressing any challenges.
An important aspect of the course is the class instrumental ensemble, in which all participants are required to play. Playing as well as conducting the music gives you a broader perspective on what works on the podium, deeper insights into the music, instant feedback and opportunities for discussion.
You may video your own work at all classes, rehearsals, and performances
for your own further analysis, use in job applications, auditions, etc.
The course leader is John Landor, MA Hons (Oxon), Associate of the Royal Academy of Music and Music Director of London Musical Arts Orchestra, a professional ensemble based at St Martin-in-the-Fields. He is also an international guest conductor of orchestras, choirs, and opera companies, in concert and the recording studio, with a career spanning more than 30 years. He studied with several of the world’s great conducting pedagogues, including George Hurst in Great Britain and Ilya Mussin in Russia, and is a sympathetic and imaginative teacher. Click here for video of John Landor 2015 Conducting Masterclass
Schedule
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Ten weekly classes, 6.30 - 9.30 pm in NW1, working with the class ensemble
Wednesdays 25/9, 2/10, 9/10, 16/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11, 20/11, 27/11, Monday 2/12/2019
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Four rehearsals and public performance with ‘I Maestri’ Orchestra (professional/student/amateur) Wednesday 4/12, Thursday 5/12, Friday 6/12 (7.00 - 10.00 pm), Saturday 7/12 (2.00 - 5.00 pm & 6.30 - 8.30 pm)
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Conducting at one of LMA Ensemble's Mini Maestro Family Concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields Saturdays 19/10, 16/11/2019, 18/01, 15/02, 14/03/2020 (rehearsal: 1.00 - 4.00 pm, concert: 4.30 - 5.30 pm)
Activities
Up to eight Principal conductors will take full part in all activities above. Principals should have a reasonably high level of experience conducting orchestras or choirs.
Up to eight Associate conductors will join group conducting exercises, have regular opportunities to conduct the class ensemble, observe their colleagues and engage in discussions and attend all other activities. Associates need not have any conducting experience but should be able to read an orchestral score.
An unlimited number of Observers may attend the classes, take part in group exercises and discussions. They are also welcome to play in the class ensemble if they fulfil the required standard (see '1.' below).
Requirements
Both Principal and Associate conductors are required to:
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play one or more of the following instruments to a minimum grade 8 standard: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, timpani.
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prepare the course repertoire and bring their own orchestral scores, baton, instrument (except piano and timpani) and music stand.
If you cannot offer an appropriate instrument to the required standard you
may still be considered if you can assist with some orchestra management.
All participants are welcome to invite friends and colleagues to play
in the class ensemble on a regular or ad hoc basis.
Repertoire
Beethoven: Symphony No 5 in C minor, Brahms: Symphony No 2 in D major
Principals may apply to bring one other work of their choice to study in
class, subject to available time and the agreement of the course leader.
Applications
Please submit materials as soon as possible, as there are only a few places available for Principal and Associate positions, and applications are assessed in the order in which they come in. Observer places are unlimited.
Please apply by email by with the following:
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whether applying as principal, associate or observer
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a CV
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a short covering letter detailing your musical experience and what you hope to gain from the course
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what instrument(s) you could play in class (minimum grade 8 standard or equivalent)
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optional: URLs to online links (not requiring download) demonstrating your conducting and/or playing
Fees
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Principals: £595
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Associates: £225
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Observers: £95
Once accepted, Principals and Associates should pay the full fee to guarantee their place. Observers are automatically accepted on the course by sending a CV and short covering letter and paying the fee.
If you withdraw from the course after payment, no refund will be offered
unless a suitable replacement can be found. In the unlikely event that the course has to be
cancelled or discontinued at any point, any fees paid will be refunded pro rata.
A limited number of discretionary bursaries of up to 1/3 reduction may be
offered to full-time students and/or those in financial need, on application.
General enquiries: Email here
