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. Under the guidance of NYYS Music Director Michael Repper, this program gives aspiring orchestral conductors the opportunity to study the art of conducting through rehearsal technique, stick technique, score analysis, podium time, observation, and guided talkback sessions. The program also features guest speakers throughout the season to work with the students, and share insights from their careers.
The orchestra has been a training ground for conductors who have gone on to bigger things.
The New York Times
Students are required to be vaccinated and boosted with an FDA-authorized vaccine to participate in our programs.
The Apprentice Conducting students will meet on Sundays. Students will observe the NYYS Orchestra rehearsals and participate in technique workshops that include live musicians as much as possible. Students will also have opportunities throughout the season to take the podium and lead the orchestra in readings of new works. NYYS Conducting Apprentices will also observe Carnegie Hall dress rehearsals and will be welcome at NYYS concerts at Carnegie hall.
Students will have the opportunity to conduct small ensembles throughout the year to develop rehearsal and stick technique. The program culminates with the Composition Date Concert in May 2023, where apprentice conductors work directly with a composer of the NYYS Composition Program to prepare, rehearse, and perform a newly composed piece at the Composition Date.
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 virtually on September 21st over Zoom. Upon completing the online application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to schedule your interview online as well as the supplemental form, which must be completed before your interview.
New York Youth Symphony serves students between the ages of 12 and 22. In order to participate in the 2022/2023 season, the applicant's birth date must be no earlier than May 28, 2000 and no later than November 20, 2010, inclusive. 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.
Students are required to be vaccinated and boosted with an FDA-authorized vaccine to participate in our programs.
Interviews are 10 minutes long, and at your interview, you will meet with the Music Director and the Assistant Conductor. Each applicant is asked to submit a letter of intent (for new students only), a letter of recommendation (for all applicants), and a video clip of you conducting (for all applicants) in the Conducting supplemental form. Applicants may be asked to demonstrate conducting techniques by themselves or with a live ensemble at their interview.
Begin Application
Donate today and help support our students continue their journey and become a part of our community of musicians and change the landscape of what the musical world look like today.
DonateExperience all the hard work, practice and rehearsals that our students take on and show up to see them perform at one of our many concerts throughout the season.
Get TicketsTake the plunge and give yourself an opportunity to become a part of our amazing community of musicians, songwriters, composers and conductors.
Enroll Today