Performances + Events
Conservatory Audition Workshop
August 11-17, 2024 | Walnut Hill School for the Arts | Natick, MA
The Conservatory Audition Workshop is a program focused exclusively on helping students prepare for college auditions. Participants work with teachers from top schools around the country, consult with admissions counselors, take daily mock auditions, and learn much more in an intense week of audition preparation. This program is designed for violin, viola, and cello students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate performance degree at a conservatory or music school.
All participants are asked to arrive at the workshop with their repertoire fully prepared. If you do not have your final audition repertoire chosen, we ask that you prepare repertoire that simulates a true audition experience (for example, solo Bach, a movement or more of a concerto, a virtuosic piece or etude, etc.). An appropriate list should include 3-4 works.
Participants must be 14 -18 years old. Financial aid is available through the application form.
Program Details
Application Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Two contrasting solo pieces
Letter of recommendation from private teacher
Tuition and Fees
Tuition: $2,300
Housing and Dining: $700
Health Fee: $75
Faculty
Program Director
Emily Taubl
University of Vermont and Middlebury College
Violin
Danielle Belen
University of Michigan
Lynn Chang
New England Conservatory, Boston University, Boston Conservatory of Music, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kris Tong
New England Conservatory, Borromeo String Quartet
Viola
Molly Carr
The Juilliard School, Juilliard String Quartet
Mai Motobuchi
New England Conservatory
Steven Laraia
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Cello
Blaise Déjardin
New England Conservatory, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Rhonda Rider
Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston University
Edward Arron
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Testimonials
Past Workshop Participants
“One of the main benefits for me from the Conservatory Audition Workshop was learning how to effectively present myself in an audition setting not only through my performance as a cellist but through my actions from the moment I walk into the audition room. This program is so unique in that it demystifies and exposes you to the subtle details of an audition that you are less likely to learn elsewhere but are so important to have a successful audition.”
– 2022 Conservatory Audition Workshop; The Juilliard School and Columbia University classes of 2027
“All of my auditions have gone so well, and I want to extend a HUGE thank you! If I had not gone to the Conservatory Audition Workshop, I probably wouldn’t have met my future teacher.”
– 2022 Conservatory Audition Workshop; Rice University Shepherd School of Music Class of 2027
“The Conservatory Audition Workshop was an invaluable experience. I made so many connections, got so much great advice, and it boosted my confidence going into audition season. Emily Taubl is really amazing and her support helped me through the whole week even though I was a bit scared going into the program.”
– 2021 Conservatory Audition Workshop; University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Class of 2026
“I would recommend this workshop for anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career in music, as it prepares students for the intricacies of college auditions while providing a safe place to grow as a musician”
– 2019 Conservatory Audition Workshop; New England Conservatory of Music Class of 2024
“The Conservatory Audition Workshop was by far one of the most beneficial experiences that helped me through my college audition process. I especially loved that the Workshop allowed me to work alongside a select group of fellow students while we were all preparing for the exact same process. The week was super challenging, but so worth it. When I went to my audition five months later, I knew exactly what I was walking into, felt confident, and therefore was able focus so much more on the music.”
– 2019 Conservatory Audition Workshop; Oberlin Conservatory of Music Class of 2024
Testimonials
Faculty
“Auditioning successfully for music schools entails far more than playing your instrument well and knowing your repertoire thoroughly. In a way it has become its own art form! The Conservatory Audition Workshop is an excellent resource for students looking to explore all aspects of this life-transforming process.”
– Carol Rodland, Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, The Juilliard School
“The Conservatory Audition Workshop is brilliantly designed and marvelously executed. The curriculum leads talented students in an exploration of their own learning and performing process, as well as introducing them to the mindset and artistic values of the teachers that will be evaluating their auditions.”
– Peter Slowik, Professor of Viola, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
“In-depth conversation, really curious students, and also FUN!”
– Norman Fischer, Professor of Cello, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University
