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Home Programs VIMA 2026 Track Details

Conductors

World-class training and performances

The National Music Academy by Varna International is offering a unique and extremely exclusive opportunity for conductors in the summer of 2026. 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, 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 the featured repertoire.


DATES: JUNE 1 – JUNE 28, 2026
(ARRIVE ON MAY 31, DEPART ON JUNE 29)
TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (4-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $6360)
EARLY BIRD: $1350 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $5400) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026
What's Included:
  • Weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (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
  • Days full of conducting education and experiences, assisting the Maestro, including:
    • Carmen: Two 3-hour music or stage rehearsals
    • Little Women: Two 3-hour music or stage rehearsals
    • From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics: multiple ensemble rehearsals during preparation
    • Tech week for Little Women or Carmen
  • Video recording of your podium time during one or two of the rehearsals

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:
Columbia: Lodging will be in student campus housing.
Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand: Lodging will be in host homes and / or Airbnb apartments.
Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements, if preferred.

  • Double occupancy: $350 per week (7 nights)
  • Single occupancy (single bath NOT included): $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. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated.
  • Greenville and Myrtle Beach: Participants responsible for all meals.
Ground Transportation:
Transportation is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.