PMF Now Accepting Applications for Emerging Conductor Program

The Peninsula Music Festival is now accepting applications for its Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program. Now in its fifth year, the Peninsula Music Festival’s Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program provides training and exposure for aspiring conductors with a professional orchestra. The program’s intention is to provide broad experience with all aspects of orchestra conducting and management to enhance their career goals.

The program was designed to provide the training needed for the growing demands on a conductor/music director in today’s modern world. A board of directors expects the music director to be more than a conductor. Interaction with patrons, speaking to groups, engaging new audiences and fundraising are just a few of the job duties that come with the position. Their schooling will teach them to conduct; this program helps to fill in the rest.

The Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program grew out of the education outreach committee of the Peninsula Music Festival (PMF), which at the time, was led by chair Karen Smuda. She spearheaded the program and brought it to the board of directors for approval. After her untimely death, the program was named for her to recognize and remember her enthusiasm and pride in the program.

This is a competitive application process open to anyone who has the qualifications: professional resume; undergraduate degree in music performance; master’s in conducting; currently enrolled or recently completed a doctoral program in conducting.

All completed applications are forwarded to Maestro Victor Yampolsky, music director and conductor of PMF. The decision rests solely with him.

A full description of the Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program can be found at musicfestival.com. In the left navigation bar, click on Education & Community Engagement and then select The Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program. The application deadline is Jan. 19, 2017.