Apply now to be part of our 2023 Women in Musical Leadership cohort
Location: Toronto and across Canada
Type: Part-time, July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028
Salary: $30,000
Application deadline: Monday, February 10, 2025, 11:59 pm
Start date: July 2025
Apply now to be part of our 2025 cohort
Women in Musical Leadership is an advanced three-year conducting program structured as a series of placements with Tapestry Opera, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and over twenty partner organizations across Canada. The program’s goal is to allow developing conductors to focus solely on conducting so that after three years, they emerge ready for regular professional engagements.
Conductors are given practical opportunities to assist, observe, conduct, build professional experience, and expand their networks with a range of organizations in symphonic, chamber, operatic, and contemporary repertoire. Recent opportunities for WML conductors include working with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Gustavo Gimeno in our annual masterclass, assisting mainstage productions with Vancouver Opera (Carmen), Manitoba Opera (L’Elisir d’Amore), and Pacific Opera Victoria (La Clemenza di Tito), and conducting full orchestral programs with the Calgary Philharmonic, Kamloops Symphony, and more.
Conductors are provided mentorship through a Conducting Advisory Council (comprising leading conductors in the field), and work regularly with Key Mentors JoAnn Falletta, Sarah Ioannides, Tania Miller, Rosemary Thomson, and Karen Kamensek, who help guide conductors through their time in the program.
This advanced program is for applicants who want to develop their careers as conductors and music directors with salaried, practical experience. Visit our Women in Musical Leadership page for more information about our partners, key mentors, conducting advisors, and the inaugural cohort.
How to apply
Women in Musical Leadership is for self-identified female 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. 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.
Please apply via our application form. Potential applicants are required to supply:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Written artist statement
- Repertoire list
- Videos of the applicant conducting and at their primary instrument
- Professional references
There will be two rounds of evaluation. The first is by a jury committee, where candidates will be evaluated based on materials provided, level of musicality, technical skill, overall presentation, and collaborative and leadership potential.
The jury comprises Women in Musical Leadership Conductor Advisory Committee members, including representatives from Tapestry Opera, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and other partner organizations.
Candidates selected to move on to the second round will have a 30-minute interview conducted by phone or Zoom.
Please read our FAQs before submitting your application. If you’re still unsure of your eligibility or have other questions regarding the WML program and application process, contact Program Manager Camille Rogers at crogers@tapestryopera.com.
Women in Musical Leadership is a project led by Tapestry Opera in partnership with Toronto Symphony Orchestra.