Information

Each day includes:

• Two pianos and/or orchestra rehearsals.
• One-on-one technique coaching, faculty feedback sessions and video review.
• Wellness time at the Hemus Hotel spa and fitness center.

Across the program, each participant will spend over 7 hours on the podium — a level of orchestral access unrivaled by most conducting program.

Participants will prepare and conduct symphonic works by Brahms, Schumann, Bernstein, Sibelius, Berlioz and others (TBD), as well as selected opera arias, And Wieniawski polonaise brilliants for violin. Repertoire is uniform during rehearsals to support shared learning, but concert assignments are individualized.

All rehearsals are video recorded, and each public concert is filmed and captured with additional professional-grade video and audio. Participants receive all files in editable formats suitable for auditions, competitions, and professional applications. Participants must bring a laptop and hard drive to download audio and video files. 

The Conducting Summer Program is presented by the Gleeson Conducting Institute and operates under the auspices of the “Film Scoring Academy of Europe” for administration and banking.

Bulgarian Company Number: 207560434 Ltd

Bank Information:

Account Name: Film Scoring Academy of Europe

Bank Name: First Investment Bank

IBAN Number: BG73FINV91501017859485

BIC/SWIFT: FINVBGSF

Business Address: Sofia Office, 66 Vitosha Blvd., 4th Floor, Sofia 1463, Bulgaria

With only 12 places available each year, this programme fills fast.

For sponsors, parents, or institutions supporting a participant, this program provides measurable outcomes and tangible career assets in exchange for a one-time investment. The mentorship received here is personal, in-depth, and tailored to your trajectory — not generic advice. Participants have leveraged their footage to win festival invitations, guest conducting engagements, and entry into top-level graduate programs. A single professional recording can open the door to graduate school admission, assistantships, international conducting competitions, or professional jobs.

Return on Investment (ROI):

• Our camera and audio crew are the same used in commercial scoring and concert productions — you leave with audio and video files ready to be edited for your professional portfolio.
• Many other programs charge similar tuition without any portfolio footage or concert appearance.
• Many use student or ad hoc orchestras. We provide you with a full professional symphony.
• Most summer programs offer 1–2 podium sessions. We offer 15+ sessions.
  
  

What’s Included:

• Total estimated real-world value: €12,000+
• Your investment: €6,650
• All recording crew and editing costs
• All rehearsal and performance venue rentals
• All group classes, workshops, and masterclasses
• Full use of hotel spa, gym, and wellness facilities
• Private room with breakfast at Hemus Spa Hotel
• Access to daily feedback and video review sessions
• 1-on-1 mentorship and technique coaching with expert faculty
• Multi-camera HD video + professional audio recording of all concerts
• 4 filmed public concerts in a professional venue
• 7+ hours of podium time

Tuition Fee: €6,650

Includes: private accommodation, full access to all rehearsals and concerts, mentorship, recordings, and portfolio support.

Non-refundable deposit of €500 due upon acceptance. Remaining balance due by April 1, 2026.

This program is capped at a limited number of participants (12) to ensure extensive podium time for each conductor. Admission is competitive and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scholarships are not currently offered.

Auditor Option – €2,600

A limited number of Auditor (Passive Participant) places are available for those who wish to observe the full program experience without taking the podium.

• Attend all rehearsals, classes, and video feedback sessions.
• Join faculty talks and guest presentations.
• Receive complimentary tickets to all public concerts.
• Are accommodated in private rooms at the Hemus Hotel (including breakfast, spa, and fitness access).
• This is an ideal opportunity for emerging conductors, educators, or professionals considering future active participation in the program.

Waiting List Policy

Due to the limited number of active participant spots (12), applications will continue to be accepted after capacity is reached. Each year, one or two selected participants are occasionally forced to withdraw due to illness, visa issues, or personal circumstances. As such, a waiting list is maintained to fill these vacancies on short notice. Candidates who are accepted onto the waiting list will be notified of their status and may be offered placement if an opening arises.

• Full scores of the program repertoire 
• Baton(s) and appropriate concert attire
• Laptop or tablet for score study and video review
• Swimwear and sportswear for spa and wellness facilities
• Conducting from tablets is not permitted

Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Sofia, Bulgaria. Ground transportation from Sofia Airport to Vratsa is available by train (approx. 2 hours), bus , taxi or private car.

Hemus Hotel is located in the center of Vratsa and is walkable to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.

Additional excursions may be arranged based on interest and availability.

Visa support documents can be provided upon request for international participants.