Application information
Applications for the 2025 WML Cohort open Monday, January 13, 2025.
We’re recruiting one Canadian conductor to join our national three-year conducting program, the perfect next step for artists who want to develop and accelerate their careers as conductors and music directors.
Women in Musical Leadership is an advanced three-year program offering salaried, practical experience with Tapestry Opera, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and over twenty leading partner organizations across Canada.
“This program has given me the opportunity to work alongside and learn from so many companies across Canada. These experiences have shown me new ways to explore my craft as an artist and completely transformed the trajectory of my career.”
Juliane Gallant, First Cohort of Women in Musical Leadership Conductors
Deadline: Monday, February 10, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to read the FAQs in PDF format.
When are the application dates?
Applications for the 2025 Women in Musical Leadership program round will be accepted from Jan 13, 2025, to Feb 10, 2025 (until 11:59 pm EST).
Who is the program for?
This program is a part-time conducting fellowship for self-identified women and non-binary conductors who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Generally, applicants will have completed advanced studies (or equivalent experience) in a primary instrument, have some conducting experience, and demonstrate readiness for professional opportunities and further training. Applicants should be ready to take advantage of all types of conducting placements, including orchestral, opera, and new music – expertise is unnecessary. Still, readiness to learn on the job is required.
Where does the program take place?
WML placements take place with our partner organizations in cities across Canada. Tapestry Opera covers all accommodation and travel between a WML conductor’s primary residence and each placement. Please see our website for more information on partner organizations, including Lead Partner Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Is the program paid?
Conductors in the WML program are salaried at approximately half-time, beginning at $30,000 in Year 1 and increasing in Years 2 & 3. Additionally, the program covers travel and accommodation costs for placements away from the conductor’s home base.
What materials are required for the application?
- Curriculum Vitae
- Repertoire list
- Written artist statement
- Videos of the applicant conducting in performance and rehearsal
- Videos of the applicant at their primary instrument
- Professional references
(See below for detailed instructions on application materials.)
What is the jury/evaluation process?
There will be two rounds of evaluation – first by a jury committee, where candidates will be evaluated on musicality, technical skill, overall presentation, and collaborative and leadership potential. The jury comprises WML Conductor Advisory Committee members and representatives from Tapestry Opera, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and other partner organizations. Candidates selected to move into the second round will have an interview conducted by phone or Zoom.
What if I have external contracts or positions during this time?
The program recognizes that WML conductors will have outside contracts during their time within the program. These accommodations will be scheduled in consultation between WML conductors and program leadership.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit to apply.
When will candidates be notified?
Candidates moving into the interview round will be notified by Mar 10. Successful applicants will be notified by Mar 21.
Unsure of your eligibility or have questions regarding the Women in Musical Leadership program and application process? Contact Program Manager Camille Rogers at crogers@tapestryopera.com for more information.
Detailed Instructions for WML Application Materials
Written Materials:
- CV (3 pages max.)
- Repertoire List (1 page max.)
- Specify in your repertoire list:
- i. works that you have previously conducted, and
- ii. works that you understand deeply enough to conduct.
- Specify in your repertoire list:
- Artist Statement (500 words max.)
- Tell us about yourself:
- What do you hope to learn from this program?
- What are your strengths as a leader?
- How do you envision your work as a conductor and music director impacting the classical music and opera sector?
- Tell us about yourself:
You will be asked to provide a URL (via Dropbox or Google Drive) to a folder containing these materials as 3 separate documents in doc or pdf format. Adjust your folder’s settings so that “Anyone with the Link” can access “View” its contents. The evaluation committee will base their evaluation on the materials that are accessible within the application.
Videos:
- A video of you conducting a performance.
- A video of you conducting a performance OR a rehearsal.
- A video of you conducting a rehearsal OR performing on your primary instrument.
- A video of you performing on your primary instrument.
You will be asked to enter a link to a Vimeo, YouTube, or other online video for each video submission. The evaluation committee will view up to 5 minutes of this video. For each video, you will be asked to indicate the following:
- Specific timestamp(s) where the committee should begin viewing;
- Year of recording and title of repertoire.
References:
You will be asked to provide the following information for 2 professional references:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Capacity in which the reference knows your work
- How long the reference has known you and your work
Unsure of your eligibility or have questions regarding the Women in Musical Leadership program and application process? Contact Program Manager Camille Rogers at crogers@tapestryopera.com for more information.
Women in Musical Leadership is for self-identified women and non-binary conductors who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Generally, applicants will have completed advanced studies (or equivalent experience) in a primary instrument, have some previous conducting experience, and demonstrate readiness for professional opportunities and training.
Women in Musical Leadership builds pathways to success for exceptional women and non-binary music leaders for generations.
Help transform the face of music in Canada!