Learn-by-doing the complex art and technique of conducting orchestral film scores

We are delighted to open applications for a new film music conducting intensive workshop + recording session with the Pannonia Film Orchestra, in collaboration with Conductors Academy. The sessions take place in the Pannonia Sound Studios, Budapest.

The conducting workshop and sessions are geared toward specialised skills and techniques for advanced film music composers and conductors. The sessions will be recorded at the highest professional standards by the renowned Pannonia Sound Studios, enabling participants to record their own works for film or demos.

You will conduct your own film scores with a world-renowned film orchestra

Led by two renowned expert professionals in conducting and conducting for films with decades of conducting teaching experience, the workshops are with Jonathan Brett (Conductors Academy, English Classical Players, Moscow Philharmonic), and Dr. Yati Durant (MSCN, IMMSANE, Edinburgh Film Music Orchestra, Staatsorchester Braunschweig, WDR Funkhausorchester, Neues Rheinisches Kammerorchester).

Participants will develop and implement advanced orchestral conducting skills and translate them into the practice of specialised skills in conducting for film music orchestras. The aims of this workshop are the preparation of correct scores that include synchronisation (click or streamers/punches) for film and the usage of efficient gestures and conducting techniques to achieve this with an orchestra.

All applicants can attend the preparatory online classes in June and July. The lead-up days to the session (28th - 30th August) will involve theory, practical skills, lectures on conducting and to synch, and 1-to-1 sessions in preparing music and synch/click. Each participant will receive specific preparation support and tutoring on the highest professional/pedagogic levels, in order to make the most of the time with the orchestra. At the end of the workshop, participants will receive all takes and stems of the ProTools recordings of their music, a video recording of their conducting, and a certificate of workshop completion from MSCN and Conductors Academy.

Learn how to get the most out of the orchestra and your music

Schedule:

2nd - 6th June 2025, Better Conducting online preparation course with Jonathan Brett

• Understanding complexity: Organising our approach

• The basis of connection: Connecting musical narrative to external stimulus

• Managing sound: The keys to flow, phrasing and colouration.

• Managing narrative: Stimulating high quality sound.

• Setting the trajectory: Turning theory into practice.

28th July 2025, Methods of Orchestral Film Music Sessions online preparation course with Dr. Yati Durant

• The unique demands of the film music orchestra: what it can/will do

• “To-click-or-not to click” methods of synch

• The conductor’s “other jobs” with a film music orchestra

• Review of works for the August session

28th August 2025, Arrival and Evening Introduction in Budapest

29th August 2025, Conducting Rehearsals

30th August 2025, Recording preparation

• preparing synch/click and technical finalisation

• Final organisation for the conducting at the recording session

31st August, 11am - 6pm, Conducting and recording with the 29-piece Pannonia Film Orchestra

• Evening reception and farewell

Application procedure

Applications from conductors and composers with previous experience conducting and recording of ensembles are preferred, although not strictly necessary. The theoretical and technical concepts of this course are designed to improve the conducting practice of conductors with basic technique and will be delivered in an easily understood format suitable for all musical backgrounds. The teaching is in English.

The application fee (£100) provides the online classes – which will be available on video for anyone unable to attend on the dates listed above.

The deadline for applications is 31st May 2025. Each application will be carefully considered. Those selected for active participation will be notified by 10 June and need to confirm their participation by paying the balance of the fee (€1,250) within seven days.

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation in Budapest, although we will provide suggestions and organisational support on where to stay. For any further questions about the MSCN Budapest Summer Film Music Conducting Workshop 2025, please email us at info@mscnfilmmusicfestivalsacademy.com.