Discover avenues towards optimal preparation to increase confidence on the podium. Strengthen the fundaments in Berlin, taught by international competition winner and experienced teacher, Brandon Keith Brown. Develop technique, score study skills and an informed imagination in preparation for competitions and auditions in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Experienced and inexperienced conductors may apply. No age requirements. The course will be taught in English. German is also available.
- Daily Score study, developing an informed interpretation
- Daily Technique course, individually tying gesture to sound
- Lessons with string quintet
- Mentoring after the course, competition preparation, and educational advisement
General concepts:
Baton techniques, score study, the plane, visual registration of the gesture, the preparatory beat, geographic vs. centrifugal beating patterns, connecting with the sound, conveying weight, physical manifestations of the ictus and gesture for strings/choir, wind/brass/percussion, basic rhythmic units, rehearsal deportment and planning, psychology, and programming. Participants are limited.
Application Requirements
Application Form
Audition Video
Audition Selection: Please include a video with application. The video should face the conductor from the orchestra's perspective, preferably at an angle from the conductors lefthand side. No longer than 15 minutes. Piano is sufficient.
Video: up to 15 minutes with any ensemble/choir or piano.
OPTIONAL: 2ND video of contrasting style and/or tempo.
OPTIONAL: Video of you playing your instrument.
Students are accepted on a rolling bases. Enrollment is limited.
Tuition
Discount enrollment before February 15, 2026: €800 total
Registration Fee: €50, non-refundable
Enroll after February 15, 2026: €900
Deposit: €500, Due upon acceptance. €400 balance due by course first day. Non-refundable
Auditor: €700
No refunds will be given unless the workshop is cancelled.
If the course is cancelled, all fees will be refunded save the registration fee.
Location: In Berlin, To Be Announced
PAYPAL/Credit Card and Bank Deposit Information is below.
Bank Information:
IBAN: DE87 1001 1001 2027 8734 58
BIC: NTSBDEB1XXX
For questions:
alltheblackdots@gmail.com
Repertoire:
If you can not prepare all pieces, please select movements. Assignments will in part be made prior to arrival by the instructor. Participants may suggest repertoire.
Subject to change
Beethoven: Egmont Overture
Beethoven: Symphony no. 5, 1st mvt., 3rd-4th mvt.
Elgar: Serenade for Strings, mvt. 2 OR Webern: Langsamer Satz
Mozart: Divertimento K. 136, D major, 1st mvt., (Bärenreiter)
Mozart: Overture to Die Zauberflötte, (Bärenreiter)
Mozart: Cosi Fan Tutte, No. 11 Recit and Aria: Ascostati…Smanie Implaccabile AND
No. 14 Recit and Aria: Temerari…Come Scoliglo
These scores may be discussed upon student interest:
Copland: Appalachian Spring (Chamber Version)
Mahler: Symphony No. 1
Sibelius: Violin Concerto, 1st mvt.
Schedule subject to change
Day 1 Schedule
11am-12:30 pm Conducting Technique
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30-2:45 pm Score Study Techniques
3:00 – 4:30 pm Piano Session
4:30-5:30pm Gaining Access to the podium: Music Education in the US and abroad, career avenues, career development, fellowship
Day 2 Schedule
11am-12:30 pm Conducting Technique
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30-2:45 pm Score Study Techniques
3:00 – 6:00 pm Quintet Session
7:00-8:00pm Gaining Access to the podium: Career development, competitions, video review, fellowship
5:30 Private Consultation with Instructor: To include video and portfolio review
Day 3 Schedule
11am-12:30 pm Conducting Technique
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 pm Orchestration/Score Study Techniques
3:00-6:00 pm Quintet Session
6:45-7:45 pm Gaining Access to the podium: Building a press kit. Material review including resumes, cover letter, photos etc.
5:30 Private Consultation with Instructor: To include video and portfolio review
Day 4 Schedule
11am-12:30 pm Conducting Technique
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 pm Orchestration/Score Study Techniques
3:00-6:00 pm Quintet Session
Application Form
For questions:
alltheblackdots@gmail.com
PAYPAL/Credit Card and Bank Deposit Information is below.
Bank Information:
IBAN: DE87 1001 1001 2027 8734 58
BIC: NTSBDEB1XXX
If the course is cancelled, all fees will be refunded save the registration fee.
