2025 Houston Conducting Academy

June 9th - 12th, 2025

About HCA 

The Houston Conducting Academy is an immersive conducting 4-day workshop experience, designed for emerging conductors, music educators, and beginners.

As an extension of the Lima Conducting Workshop. HCA is also in partnership with The Americas Cultural Youth Orchestra Festival. This academy offers a comprehensive conducting experience in the Houston area. Participants will gain hands-on podium time, receive expert mentorship, and attend captivating seminars — all designed to elevate their approach to conducting and teaching.

Whether you’re continuing your journey as a emerging conductor, educator or stepping onto the podium for the first time, this workshop is your opportunity to grow, connect, and refine your craft.

Why Attend HCA? 

Immersive Conducting Experience: Step onto the podium and gain at least 75 minutes of conducting time with a professional string orchestra.

Expert Mentorship: Receive personalized feedback from experienced conductors dedicated to your artistic growth.

Collaborative Learning: Build your skills alongside fellow conductors and educators in an engaging and supportive environment.

Efficiency and Technique: Learn practical rehearsal methods, sharpen your stick technique, and refine your leadership presence.

Score Study Insights: Attend dynamic seminars on effective score study to enhance your musical interpretation and preparation.

Affordable and Accessible: Save $125 on tuition when you participate as a player in the lab orchestra, gaining additional hands-on experience.

HCA Highlights 

At Least 75 Minutes of Podium Time
Participants will conduct string orchestra and soloist, receiving personalized feedback and expert guidance.

Stick Technique and Rehearsal Methods
Develop clarity, expressiveness, and confidence on the podium while learning how to lead efficient, productive rehearsals. There will be lab sessions dedicated to learning effective rehearsal methods!

Score Study Seminars
Gain insight into effective score study techniques, learning how to analyze, interpret, and prepare for rehearsals.

Play and Save
Conductors are encouraged to participate as players in the lab orchestra for a $125 tuition discount. This hands-on experience offers a unique perspective on conducting from within the ensemble.

  • Grand Oaks High School Orchestra program has generously offered the beautiful auditorium and orchestra rehearsal hall for the 2025 conducting summer workshop.

    Grand Oaks High School is located @ 4800 Riley Fuzzel Rd, Spring, TX 77386

    Click here for google maps

  • BARTÓK: Romanian Folk Dances

    SIBELIUS: Romance in C for String Orchestra

    WHITACRE: A Boy and A Girl

    BRITTEN: Simple Symphony (all movements)

    BALMAGES: Danza Latina for solo violin and orchestra | soloist:TBA

    Selections from BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 & No. 5

    You are welcome to suggest repertoire in the application

    *Repertoire subject to change

  • Full participant tuition is $675

    Participants who play a string instrument in the lab orchestra for every lab will receive a discount of $125 making the total $550

    This tuition includes a at least 75 mins of podium time. Video recordings of personal sessions and all discussion seminars.

  • How to Approach Score Study

    Turn Score Study into Gesture

    Efficient & Effective Rehearsal Strategies

    Stick Technique

2025 HCA Faculty 

NICHOLAS BAKER,

HEAD FACULTY

KAYOKO DAN

GUEST FACULTY

A max of 12 participants will be accepted. The conducting participant will conduct works for string orchestra in the masterclass sessions and receive one-on-one mentoring from the clinicians. Only 12 conductors will be accepted, and the positions will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the 12 participant slots have been filled, a waiting list will be established.