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Home Programs VIMA 2025 Track Details

Conductors

World-class training and performances

Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) is offering a unique and extremely exclusive opportunity for conductors in the summer of 2025. We will only be accepting 3-4 conductors total for our summer program. The program will take place in major cities of South Carolina, including the Capital City of Columbia, as well as the cities of Greenville, Rock Hill, and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand.

Our program is designed for conductors with moderate to advanced conducting skills. Conducting participants will receive weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera, as well as aid the Maestro during the rehearsals and performances of Die Fledermaus, A Grand Night for Singing, and From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics.


DATES: JUNE 2 – JUNE 29, 2025
(Arrive on June 1, depart on June 30)
TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (4-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $6360)
**EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $1192 PER WEEK (4-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $4770)**
What's Included:
  • Weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (these will be group sessions for the 3-4 conductors chosen for the program)
  • Assist the Maestro during the preparation process of the opera, musical theater, and oratorio works during the VIMA SC program
  • Conduct a string ensemble during a performance
  • Days full of conducting education and experiences, such as:
    • Two 3-hour music or stage rehearsals for Die Fledermaus daily
    • Two 3-hour music or stage rehearsals for A Grand Night for Singing daily
    • Multiple ensemble rehearsals during preparation for From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics
    • Orchestral rehearsals for Brahms’ Violin Concerto & Symphony #1
    • Tech week for Die Fledermaus (Sitzprobes, dress rehearsals, performances)
  • Video recording of your podium time during a choral or orchestral performance or rehearsal

Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Conductors Program must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Resumé
  • Video recording showing the applicant conducting a choral, orchestral, or choral/orchestral piece

Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

Accommodations:
Lodging will be in student campus housing in the City of Columbia for the majority of the time, in host homes on the Grand Strand for a few nights, and in a hotel in Greenville for a few nights. Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements, if preferred.

  • Double occupancy: $350 per week (7 nights)
  • Single occupancy: $525 per week (7 nights)
Meals:
Meal availability depends on the city. Please see the breakdown below:
  • Columbia: A meal plan is available for $35 per day. This includes 3 meals each day provided by Columbia International University (CIU). Participants who opt for the meal plan must pay for the entire service. The meal plan cannot be modified.
  • Greenville: Participants responsible for all meals
  • Coast: Participants responsible for all meals
Ground Transportation:
Transportation during VIMA SC is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.

We encourage you to connect with other participants to make arrangements for shared rides during the program. Varna International will facilitate contact between participants to aid in your communication.