Postgraduate Conducting Mentoring Programme

From application to audition.

A structured seven-month programme for conductors preparing for postgraduate study and conservatoire auditions.

Applying for postgraduate conducting study can be both exciting and daunting. From selecting repertoire and preparing videos to navigating applications, auditions and interviews, there is rarely a clear roadmap.

The Postgraduate Conducting Mentoring Programme has been designed specifically to support conductors through this process, providing structured guidance from the initial application stage through to live auditions and final preparation.

Open to conductors worldwide.

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About Jonathan Mann

Jonathan Mann is a British conductor, educator and Director of the International Conducting Academy.

Alongside an international conducting career, Jonathan has conducted orchestras including the Ulster Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra and Seongnam Philharmonic Orchestra, and has led conducting masterclasses and educational projects at institutions including the Chopin Academy in Kraków, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Mahidol University in Thailand.

His students have gained places at leading institutions including the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Royal Northern College of Music.

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Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for:

• Conductors preparing applications for postgraduate study
• Undergraduate students considering Master's-level training
• Recent graduates preparing conservatoire auditions
• Conductors seeking structured guidance through the application and audition process

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Programme Structure

Part 1 – Applications & Preparation

September – December

Includes:

• 4 individual 60-minute sessions
• Application guidance
• Repertoire selection
• Score preparation
• Technical development
• Video preparation and feedback

Part 2 – Audition Preparation

January – March

Includes:

• 4 individual 60-minute sessions
• Audition repertoire preparation
• Interview preparation
• Mock audition preparation
• Refining technique and communication

Session dates are agreed individually, allowing flexibility around study, work and audition commitments.

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Guest Q&A Sessions

The programme includes:

• Autumn Guest Q&A Session (Date TBC)
• Spring Guest Q&A Session (Date TBC)

These sessions provide participants with the opportunity to engage directly with leading figures in conservatoire conducting training and discuss applications, auditions, repertoire preparation, study opportunities and career development.

Confirmed guest contributor: Toby Purser (Royal College of Music)

Additional guest contributors will be announced in due course.

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Securing Your Place

A £100 deposit secures your place on the programme, with the remaining balance payable before the programme begins in September 2026.

Flexible payment arrangements may be available by prior agreement.

Applications Open

1 July 2026

Early Bird Deadline

31 July 2026

Programme Begins

September 2026

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Testimonials

Ammal Bhatia – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

“Gaining a place on a Masters course is an extremely competitive and taxing thing to do. There’s no real set path and thus one can feel quite lost in the whole process of it all. There are many moments that feel like the whole application process is a bit of pot-luck. Jonathan knows these difficulties and knows what panels are looking for. Sessions with Jonathan help you prepare for a wide variety of situations in auditions and help you become a more knowledgeable and well-rounded conductor.”

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Eliott Beer – Royal Academy of Music

“Jonathan is a very inspiring professor who understands deeply the world of entrance examinations for top conservatories.

His mentoring programme helped me prepare for my audition and admission process for the Royal Academy of Music. What I particularly appreciated was his approach: rather than focusing only on the technical aspects of conducting, he also encourages a real connection with the music and the sound itself.

Beyond that, he was always very pleasant to work with, highly encouraging throughout the process, and regularly available whenever I had questions. I also really appreciated his flexibility and the supportive atmosphere he created during the preparation.

I would definitely recommend his programme to anyone preparing for conducting entrance examinations at Master's level.”

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Felicity Cliffe – Royal Northern College of Music

“My lessons with Jonathan Mann were instrumental in my preparation for applying and auditioning for a place on a Master's Degree course. From revising my video footage to studying the required repertoire, Jonathan was able to offer help, advice and support every step of the way. I would not hesitate to recommend him to any conductor looking to go down this path.”