The world’s finest emerging conductors have found the Robert L. Poster Apprentice Conducting Program to be an unparalleled opportunity to sharpen their craft, develop their talent, and gain exposure in front of New York’s discerning audiences alongside their talented colleagues of New York Youth Symphony. Under guidance from Music Director Andrew J. Kim, this program gives aspiring orchestral conductors an opportunity to gain hands-on conducting experience, to build foundational skills and knowledge necessary for a conductor, and to acquire tools to continue teaching themselves beyond the program. Our program will be a rare opportunity for talented students to study conducting during undergraduate and high school years.
Participating conductors can expect regular in-person class time as a group, conducting opportunities with a small ensemble as well with the Orchestra, and extensive individual meeting times with the Music Director to address their own needs and goals. They will be expected to study the Orchestra’s repertoire and to provide their perspective on rehearsals that they observe.
The Conducting program meets on Sundays at the NYYS office prior to NYYS Orchestra rehearsals. Classes include seminars on score study and lab ensemble sessions that will give students hands-on conducting experience. Conductors are also expected to be present at Carnegie Hall dress rehearsals and concerts.
Conductors will have an opportunity to perform at the annual Composition Date 2027 at National Sawdust on May 17, 2027, where they will conduct pieces composed by members of the Composition Program and performed by the members of the Orchestra, Chamber Music, and Jazz Ensemble programs. Younger conductors may be offered an auditing role for the season. Auditors participate in all rehearsals and classes. For the 26-27 season, podium time for auditors is not guaranteed but may be provided whenever possible. However, they will not be performing at the annual Composition Date 2027 concert.
Applicants should review the guidelines on this page to make sure that they can fulfill the commitment to the program before applying.
Conducting interviews will be held at the NYYS Office at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY - except September 2nd which will be at DiMenna - Lockwood Room . All interviews will be held in-person.
Conducting Interview Dates:
Returning Students
Monday, August 24, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm
Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm
New Students
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 1:00-4:00pm
Sunday, September 6, 2026, 7:00-9:00pm
In order to participate in the NYYS Conducting's 2026/2027 season, applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 22. Applicant's date of birth must be between May 25, 2004 and November 24, 2014. Please do not apply if your birth date falls outside of these dates as you will not be eligible for the program and we are not able to refund your application fee.
For new applicants, the Music Director & Assistant Director will review your application before reaching out for an interview. Please note that not all applicants will be invited for an interview. All returning students will be automatically invited to the interview.
After the review of the application form, the Music Director and the Assistant Conductor will decide who will be invited to the interview. Returning students are automatically invited to the interview.
Interviews are 20 minutes long, and you will meet with the Music Director and the Assistant Conductor. Applicants will be asked follow-up questions on the materials submitted on the application form and also other questions related to applicant’s knowledge of conducting and music.
For New Students:
Demonstrate proficiency in reading soprano, alto, tenor, and bass clefs at the keyboard.
Be able to sight-sing simple melodies. Demonstrate proficiency in strong pulse and rhythm.
Demonstrate basic understanding of common musical terms.
For Returning Students, in addition to the items for new students above:
Demonstrate the ability to sing a Bach chorale on a fixed-do solfege.
Demonstrate fluency in reading transposing instruments.
Demonstrate understanding of concepts covered in the program last year.
If you have any questions regarding the conducting program, please reach out to info@nyys.org
The registration fee for the Conducting program is $550.
The conducting auditor registration fee is $450.
Please note, there is a $135 non-refundable application fee through Acceptd.
The NYYS recognizes that the cost of application and registration fees may be prohibitive for some students, and that access to technology may be a barrier to participation. Financial aid, application fee waivers, work-study, and technology funds are available to help offset these expenses. Financial need is the major consideration when awarding assistance. We ask that students seek funding through their personal networks in addition to completing the financial aid application as funds are limited. All applicants can request a fee waiver by submitting the form below. If you have any questions regarding fee waivers, please reach out to support@getacceptd.com.
Overall, the experience I had with the orchestra and chamber ensembles was very positive. When I conducted them, they were very enthusiastic and attentive, allowing me to be comfortable instructing them both verbally and with my conducting.
Claire Cho
The students in the orchestra were very receptive to my input, and were a pleasure to work with. This experience was very enjoyable and productive for me, and I'm thankful to have a been part of it!
Jonah Cohen
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