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Home Programs VIMA 2027 Track Details

Conductors

World-class training and performances

The National Music Academy by Varna International is offering two unique conducting opportunities in the summer of 2027. The program will take place in major cities of South Carolina, including the Capital City of Columbia, as well as Greenville and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand.

Our programs are designed for conductors with moderate to advanced conducting skills. Participants may choose between a 10-Day Conducting Workshop, focused on intensive instruction and podium experience with placement as a Conducting Associate or Conducting Fellow, and a 4.5-Week Program, offering weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter, formerly a conductor of The Metropolitan Opera, as well as opportunities to assist the Maestro during rehearsals and performances of the featured repertoire.

Applicants to the 10-Day Conducting Workshop may indicate a preference for placement as an Associate or Fellow, with final placement determined by the conducting faculty. The 4.5-Week Program is limited to 3–4 conductors.


OPTION 1: 10-DAY CONDUCTING WORKSHOP
*Part of the Professor Marin Chonev Choral Festival (See our Choral Festival page for more details)
The 10-day Conducting Workshop provides intensive instruction in score study, conducting technique, interpretation, rehearsal planning, and ensemble leadership. Working alongside Festival faculty, collaborative pianists, and the resident Festival Chorus, participants receive customized instruction and podium time based on experience and placement as a Conducting Associate or Conducting Fellow.

DATES: MAY 28 – JUNE 6, 2027
(ARRIVE ON MAY 27, DEPART ON JUNE 7)
  • ASSOCIATE TUITION: $1,990 (OPTION TO CHOOSE AN ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE)
  • FELLOW TUITION: $2,490 (OPTION TO CHOOSE AN ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 3, 2027
Associate Accommodation Packages:

CIU Package A: $2,950 · 11 nights, double occupancy, breakfast included

CIU Package B: $3,280 · 11 nights, single occupancy, breakfast included

Hotel Package A: $3,790 · 11 nights, double occupancy, breakfast included

Hotel Package B: $4,560 · 11 nights, single occupancy, breakfast included


Fellow Accommodation Packages:

CIU Package A: $3,450 · 11 nights, double occupancy, breakfast included

CIU Package B: $3,780 · 11 nights, single occupancy, breakfast included

Hotel Package A: $4,290 · 11 nights, double occupancy, breakfast included

Hotel Package B: $5,060 · 11 nights, single occupancy, breakfast included

What's Included:

Conducting Associate

Designed for developing conductors seeking to strengthen technical, analytical, and rehearsal leadership skills. Associates receive:

  • Instruction in score study, conducting technique, and rehearsal planning
  • Focused training sessions with conducting faculty and pianists
  • Opportunities for podium experience with the resident Festival Chorus
  • Complete sequence of academic and cultural programming
  • Festival Fellowship Receptions
  • Admission to all Muzika! Festival concerts taking place during residency

Conducting Fellow

Designed for experienced conductors prepared for advanced study and substantial podium work with the resident Festival Chorus. Fellows receive:

  • Advanced instruction in score study, technique, interpretation, and rehearsal leadership
  • Individual and small-group sessions with conducting faculty and pianists
  • Substantial podium time with the resident Festival Chorus
  • Opportunities to conduct selected repertoire in public Festival performances
  • Complete sequence of academic and cultural programming
  • Festival Fellowship Receptions
  • Admission to all Muzika! Festival concerts taking place during residency
Application & Audition Requirements:

Conducting participants must submit an application and the required audition materials. Applicants may indicate a preference for placement as an Associate or Fellow, with final placement determined by the conducting faculty based on submitted materials, stated preference, and previous experience.

Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

Accommodations:

Participants may register for the program-only option and arrange their own accommodations or select a Festival accommodation package. Accommodation packages are available to both groups and individual participants and include lodging, daily breakfast, and transportation to scheduled Festival activities and performances.

  • CIU package: Accommodations in Columbia International University residence halls, based on double occupancy with shared bath facilities
  • Hotel packages: Double-occupancy accommodations at a Festival-designated hotel

Single-occupancy accommodations may be available for an additional charge, subject to availability.

Meals:

Daily breakfast is included with all Festival accommodation packages. Additional meals may be purchased through an optional CIU meal plan or individually at the CIU cafeteria.


Ground Transportation:

Festival transportation will be provided to scheduled rehearsals, performances, excursions, and other programmed activities. Participants arranging their own accommodations may also use Festival transportation by meeting buses at designated departure points at CIU or Festival hotels. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from designated departure points.


OPTION 2: 4.5-WEEK PROGRAM

DATES: MAY 28 – JUNE 27, 2027
(ARRIVE ON MAY 27, DEPART ON JUNE 28)
TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (4-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $7270)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 3, 2027
What's Included:
  • Weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of 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:
  • The Marriage of Figaro: Two 3-hour music or stage rehearsals
  • Into the Woods – The Musical: 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 Into the Woods or The Marriage of Figaro
  • 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
  • $40 application fee
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): $560 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.