Apply to the OCA Conducting Academy

The OCA Conducting Academy welcomes conductors at different stages of their artistic development who wish to engage in focused and sustained work in orchestral conducting. Applications are open to conducting students, early-career conductors and professional musicians seeking rigorous technical, artistic and practical training at the podium.

Participants may apply to one or more masterclasses within the same season. Applications are processed in the order received.

Due to the limited number of active participants per masterclass and the high level of international interest, early application is strongly recommended.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is automatic upon submission of a complete application form, up to the relevant deadline or until all available places for the masterclass are filled.

Application deadlines

  • Masterclass 1 — Thinking Before Conducting (Application deadline: 2 March 2026)

  • Masterclass 2 — The Language of Conducting: Gesture, Time and Clarity (Application deadline: 6 March 2026)

  • Masterclass 3 — Sound Without Weight (Application deadline: 27 March 2026)

  • Masterclass 4 — Inside the Musical Line (Application deadline: 30 April 2026)

  • Masterclass 5 — Time as Architecture (Application deadline: 30 June 2026)

  • Masterclass 6 — Gesture Under Pressure (Application deadline: 22 July 2026)

How to apply

  1. Complete the online application form available on this page.

  2. Select the masterclass(es) you wish to apply for.

  3. Upload the required materials.

  4. Submit your application.

Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt by email. Participants will then be contacted with further information regarding participation, payment and preparation.

General Information

  • Participants are responsible for their own expenses, including travel, accommodation, meals and the acquisition of scores.

  • Participants are responsible for their own expenses, including travel, accommodation, meals and the acquisition of scores.

  • All in-person activities take place in Porto, Portugal, at ESMAE (Superior School of Music and Performing Arts). View location on Google Maps

  • Tuition fees are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation of the masterclass by the organiser. In such cases, the full tuition fee will be refunded via bank transfer.

Application Form