EMF’s Conducting Institute, a premier platform for professional growth, offers intensive learning in a technically and artistically demanding yet supportive environment. This program accepts up to nine Conducting Scholars, ages 18+, who collaborate with the Music Director and Resident Conductors and the festival’s student and faculty ensembles. Each Conducting Scholar receives approximately 45 minutes of podium time per week, resulting in two or three public performances with festival orchestras over the five-week festival season. In addition to their work with the festival orchestras, participants lead weekly sessions focusing on standard string and wind repertoire and engage with faculty and students through instrumental sectionals.