Overview

The Masters and Doctoral orchestral conducting program at the UNT College of Music is designed to prepare capable young conductors for professional and academic careers.  Degree candidates work with Maestro Itkin in an intensive study environment that combines classroom study in technique, score study, interpretation, style, rehearsal technique, repertoire, programming, and public speaking, with extensive practical experience in front of various orchestral ensembles.

• 6 hours per week class with Maestro Itkin. 
  (Approximately one-half of class time with live ensemble.)
• Additional 6 hours per week rehearsal with the UNT Repertoire Orchestra.  (Approximately two-thirds of Repertoire Orchestra rehearsal time supervised by Maestro Itkin in master class format focusing on rehearsal technique and ensemble development.)
• Opportunities to conduct selected works with the UNT Symphony Orchestra at the annual Concerto Competition winners concert.
• Possible opportunities to conduct selected works with the UNT Symphony Orchestra or UNT Chamber Orchestra as part of degree recital credit requirements.
• Participation in mock audition, including orchestral rehearsal under audition conditions and interview with a panel of industry professionals.  Entire mock audition process is videotaped for evaluation and feedback.

Applications

Application Materials
To download application forms, please click here.

 If you have questions, please contact Dr. Clay Couturiaux..

Audition Information

Video
Your video should include rehearsal and performances of your conducting.  The camera should face the conductor.  Video submissions may be in DVD.

Application Deadline
The official deadline is January 15, 2009.

Audition Process
Once completed forms and all required materials have been received and evaluated, the orchestral studies faculty will invite selected applicants to campus for an interview and audition with the UNT Symphony Orchestra.  You should be notified at least a month before the audition date.  Audition repertoire will be provided at that time.              
 
Audition Panel
David Itkin, Director of Orchestral Studies
Clay Couturiaux, Assistant Director of Orchestral Studies

Audition Day Schedule  (No more than 8 candidates are invited each year.)
March 6, 2009.
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  Exams in theory, eartraining, and repertoire.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.  Interviews with Maestro Itkin and Dr. Couturiaux. 
            (10-15 minutes per candidate.)
12:15 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.  Auditions with UNT Chamber Orchestra.
            (15-20 minutes per candidate.)

Audition repertoire
Wagner           Siegfried Idyll  [beginning through “10”]
Copland          Appalachian Spring (original version for 13 instruments) [“35” to “45”]
Beethoven      Symphony No. 1         1st mvt.: beginning through m.32
                                                       4th mvt.: beginning through m.55