Summer Institute Tracks
High School Track
This experience is for students entering 11th-12th grade in Fall 2026* who are eager to explore possible careers in the field of music. Participants will have the opportunity to sing in the festival chorus alongside peers pursuing music after high school, and conduct in masterclass sessions within their cohort.
*Students who graduated high school in Spring of 2026 will be a part of the high school cohort.
Participants will learn:
Fundamentals of conducting
Leadership skills from the podium
Rehearsal and vocal techniques
Foundations of vocal pedagogy
Career and vocation opportunities in choral music:
Music as a profession (education, church, community)
Music as a lifelong avocation
Undergraduate Track
This experience is for students in college who are musicians preparing for advanced study and leadership roles in choral music. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about various careers in music, and have chance to conduct the festival chorus.
People who have graduated from college in May 2026 should apply for the graduate/emerging professional track described below.
Participants will:
Learn advanced conducting techniques with singers and chamber ensembles
Have podium opportunities with the festival chorus
Practice rehearsal management and score preparation
Participate in choral vocal pedagogy workshops
Hear about career readiness for the 21st-century conductor
Discuss vocational discernment for participating in music after college
Sing in the festival chorus
Four fully-funded Scholarship positions are available by application.
Graduate/Emerging Professional Track
This experience is tailored for graduate students or advanced conductors interested in refining their technique and philosophy in conducting. Participants will have an opportunity to learn advanced rehearsal management, conducting and score study practices, and participate in choral reading sessions.
Participants will:
Learn advanced rehearsal management and conducting philosophy
Practice score study and long-range artistic planning
Participate in reading sessions and learn about repertoire selection
Experience choral vocal pedagogy workshops
Sing in the festival chorus
Want more conducting and mentorship?
In addition, six Masterclass Conductor positions are available by application only for participants seeking one-on-one instruction time with Institute clinicians and guaranteed podium time with the festival chorus.
Four fully-funded Scholarship positions are available by application.
Be a Masterclass Conductor
Looking for more advanced one-on-one instruction and extended podium time?
Graduate/Emerging Professional Track participants can apply to be a Masterclass Conductor and receive extended podium time with the festival chorus and chamber ensemble, as well as individual instruction from Institute clinicians. Limited to six positions, by application only.
Registration fees for selected Masterclass Conductors are as follows:
Residential: $605
Non-residential: $450
How to Apply
Submit an application including a resume or CV before April 1st along with $25 application fee. You may be asked to submit rehearsal or performance video following initial application. All Masterclass Conductors will be notified of acceptance by May 1st.
Fees & Deadlines
All Track fees include: instruction & workshops; festival chorus participation; all music scores (digital in advance, physical on site); folder, pencil and T-shirt; required meals.
All courses require a $50 deposit, and participants have until June 1 to complete their full course payments. No refunds will be given after May 15th, 2026.
Early bird discount!
Register before April 1st with code EARLYCONDUCTOR2026 at checkout.*
*Not eligible for use on Choral Scholar and Masterclass Conductor application fees
Standard Registration
Deadline: May 15
$483 - Residential
Overnight housing provided on the Augsburg University Campus; includes all meals. REQUIRED for all High School Track Participants, optional for all other participants. Non-High School Track participants who opt-in to residential housing will be housed in a different area than High School Track Participants.
$333 - Non-Residential
Participants who do not wish to stay on Augusburg University campus are responsible for their own transportation and parking each day.
Choral Scholar Applications
Four fully-funded scholarship positions are available by application only for Undergraduate and Graduate/Emerging Track participants. These positions are intended for those interested in pursuing conducting and/or professional choral singing as a career.
In addition to regular Institute activities, Choral Scholars will participate in workshops with Institute clinicians and serve as section coaches for the high school participants. An application including a resume or CV will be requested after registration, and you may be asked to submit rehearsal or performance video following initial application. There is a $25 application fee, and all Choral Scholars must be able to pass a background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. All high school participants study conducting and conduct in masterclass sessions within their cohort.
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Yes. Collegiate and emerging professional participants may apply for conducting cohort placement as one of the masterclass conductors or apply as an auditor who attends all sessions, sings in the festival chorus, but does not conduct in the masterclass.
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High school students stay on campus (required). Collegiate and adult housing is available as space allows, in separate accommodations.
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Yes. All residents receive meals. Commuting collegiate and adult participants receive lunch and dinner.
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Yes.
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Registration & Welcome
Rehearsal
Panel Discussion
Dinner
Rehearsal
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Gathering
Breakout session
Conducting Masterclass
Breakout session
Lunch
Conducting Masterclass
Rehearsal with clinicians
Roundtable with clinicians
Dinner
Rehearsal with clinicians
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Gathering
Breakout session
Conducting Masterclass
Breakout session
Lunch
Conducting Masterclass
Rehearsal with clinicians
Roundtable with clinicians
Dinner
Reading session with clinicians
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All attendee session with Dr. Nelson
Conducting Masterclass
All attendee session with Dr. Molina & Dr. Robison
Roundtable session
Choral Evensong
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Career Development Keynote with Jocelyn Hagen and Tim Takach
Breakout Sessions
Conducting seminar with chamber ensemble
Final performance
Summer Institute Schedule
Schedule is subject to change. Participants will receive an up-to-date schedule closer to the date of the Institute.
Choral Evensong Service
All participants sing in the Festival Chorus, culminating in a public
Choral Evensong Service on Wednesday, June 17th - 7:30pm. This service will be open to the public.