Introduction to Choral Conducting Programme (ICCP)

The programme offers an opportunity for musicians with an interest in conducting a children’s choir to attend a residential course and observe professionals with a wide range of experience in this field. This involves being in a stimulating, creative environment, with talented children from throughout the UK who are highly motivated and enthusiastic. The choir’s repertoire covers a wide variety of genres, both sacred and secular.

The ICCP includes the chance to:

• Shadow the conductors of the various choirs, learning by observation.
• Interact with musicians from various musical backgrounds in a stimulating environment.
• Where an appropriate level of skill is shown, lead warm-ups and take some part in rehearsals.
• Appreciate the more holistic musical experience offered during a course, which includes sight reading, general musicianship and aural skills in addition to choral training.
• Take part in the wider life of the choir.

The programme is designed to give participants an awareness of choral conducting, planning and executing rehearsals, the music education of children and the appropriate all-round care that is required. To that end, we expect applicants to have a good music education themselves, but to be at the beginning of their choral conducting journey, for example, a music degree student for whom choral conducting does not form part of their course, an NQT seeking to further their skills with a view to starting a school choir, a gap year student who may be thinking of choral conducting in the future. Participants are offered the opportunity to attend one course only.

There will be an induction session prior to the course, and participants will be mentored by the NCCGB programme co-ordinator. A report will be given at the end of the course, which will available to the participant.

Applicants will:

• Have relevant musical experience.
• Complete an application form and submit this together with a current CV.
• Be willing to keep a log of their activities, by way of an online form to be completed daily.
• Undertake Enhanced DBS Clearance, which will be arranged and funded by NCCGB.
• Offer two referees.

The full cost of participation in the programme is funded by NCCGB, including an Enhanced DBS clearance and a £50 travel grant. Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant.

There is a maximum of 4 places available per year. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited for interview by Zoom. Successful candidates will be invited to attend one course.

The programme is now closed for applications for our 2023 courses. It will reopen in the autumn for applications for our 2024 courses.