The International Conducting Academy Berlin (ICAB) offers a unique studying opportunity for highly gifted aspiring conductors as Advanced Professional Training for Conductors.

The Advanced Professional Training for Conductors at ICAB lasts one year (two semesters) beginning in the winter semester. Students who successfully complete the course receive the Postgraduate Diploma of the International Conducting Academy Berlin.

The Advanced Professional Training for Conductors is aimed at students already beyond the master level or for conductors with considerable experience and partially working who are still looking to receive feedback on and further assistance with their craft. The course is one hundred percent practical and involves active participation in the projects of the International Conducting Academy Berlin. They are also eligible for various assistantships and cooperations with Berlin’s opera houses and professional orchestras.

• frequent conducting of live ensembles, singers and solo instrumentalists
• master classes, rehearsals and concerts with professional orchestras
• regular conducting classes with studio orchestra of the UdK Berlin
• regular video analysis of orchestral sessions
• laboratory work with two pianos
• instruction and practical experience in rehearsal planning, orchestral set up, off-stage music, preparation of orchestral material, programming and management of largescale projects
• final exam with orchestral concert or opera performance

5000 Euros per year

There are currently no scholarships offered.

1. exceptional musical aptitude as a conductor
2. a Bachelors or Masters degree in Conducting

In exceptional cases also one of the following Bachelor or Masters degrees may also be accepted: First study orchestral instrument or piano, singing, composition, music pedagogy, church music, record producer, non-performing music degree from a university.

The Advanced Professional Training for Conductors is administered by Berlin Career College, a part of the University of Arts. Applications can be submitted either by going directly to Berlin Career College’s website or by clicking on the red “Application” link below, which will be activated on 15 February. This marks the beginning of the application period which ends on 15 March. Applications after this date will not be considered. 

To complete your application you will need to:

1.complete the online application form 

2. upload the following additional application material via the online application form (please combine your documents into a maximum of two files):

• a detailed tabular CV/ Resumé

• a representative list of ensembles and works conducted in concert

• a letter of motivation outlining (a) how you heard about the course and (b) why you wish to study on this course and with these teachers

• degree certificates and other relevant certificates

3. send to the email address ICAB_ @udk-berlin.de a link to a video on the internet which can be viewed online of the applicant conducting an orchestra or other live ensemble  (min 5 minutes, max 45 minutes) The applicant should be filmed from the front and be clearly recognizable.

4. pay a € 30 non-refundable application fee: you will be informed how to pay after you receive confirmation that your application has been received.

All instruction will be in German and English.

The separate aptitude test has the following content and takes place in two parts, whereby the prerequisite for the second part is passing the first part:

Part 1
Rehearsal with orchestra of works from the symphonic repertoire or opera excerpts selected by the admissions committee and communicated to the candidate three weeks before the entrance examination.

Part 2 (after passing Part 1)
a) Written examination to determine musical knowledge and skills (aural training, instrument and score knowledge, composition, knowledge of orchestral conducting and orchestral and operatic literature)
b) Interview with the candidate.
c) A further rehearsal with orchestra of works from the symphonic repertoire or opera excerpts selected by the admissions committee and communicated to the candidate three weeks before the entrance examination.

Application deadline 15.02 - 15.03

By sending your questions to Harry Curtis, Professor in Conducting, dirigieren@udk-berlin.de.