Conducting, Leadership
& Vocational Institute
A four-day immersive experience for high school students, college students, and graduate/emerging professionals.
June 14th - 18th, 2026
Augsburg University, Minneapolis MN
The Summer Institute is offered in partnership with Augsburg University.
All rehearsals, workshops, housing, and performances take place on Augsburg University’s campus in Minneapolis, MN.
Meet the Summer Institute Clinicians
Marcela Molina
Lee Nelson
Jennaya Robison
Timothy Takach
Jocelyn Hagen
Erin Gaffaney
Registration Deadline: May 15th, 2026
Register before April 1st with code EARLYCONDUCTOR2026 at checkout to receive $25 off registration.
What is the Summer Institute?
The National Lutheran Choir’s first ever Conducting, Leadership and Vocational Institute is a four-day immersive experience for musicians exploring their calling through conducting, singing, leadership, and vocational discernment.
This Institute will provide participants with opportunities to learn from leaders in the field of choral music. Participants will engage in conducting study, vocal pedagogy, ensemble leadership, and career exploration while singing together as a festival chorus.
Who is the Institute for?
Designed for students and emerging professionals at multiple stages, the institute blends artistic excellence with mentorship and community. The Summer Institute will have opportunities for high school students who are interested in exploring what a career in choral music entails, undergraduate students who want to refine their conducting practice, and graduate students/emerging professionals who are looking to advance their skills and earn continuing education credits.
The National Lutheran Choir proudly affirms its support of its artists, audiences, staff, Board, and friends in the LGBTQIA+ community. Read more.
High School Track
Gives rising 11-12th grade students a chance to learn more about careers in choral music.
Undergraduate Track
Prepares college students for advanced studies and deeper leadership in choral music.
Graduate/Emerging Professional Track
Offers graduate students and emerging professionals refinement of their choral music techniques and philosophy.
Fees & Registration
All fees cover: 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.
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.
Early bird discount!
Register before April 1st with code EARLYCONDUCTOR2026 at checkout.*
*Not eligible for use on Choral Scholar and Masterclass Conductor application fees