Tanglewood Music Center

Requirements

• Online application must be completed by November 4, 2025 at 11:59PM Eastern.
• Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center must be at least 18 years old as of June 26, 2026.
• Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the 2026 TMC residency from June 26 – August 17.
• Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center (TMC) must submit an application, including a $75 application fee, via tanglewood.getacceptd.com.
• Applicants experiencing any hardship that they feel renders them unable to pay the application fee are asked to fill out this form to request an application fee waiver.

Application

As part of completing the online application, conducting applicants must submit: 

• A current resume
• One letter of recommendation. You will be asked to provide the contact information for this reference on your GetAcceptd application. Upon completing your application, your reference will receive an email request to upload a PDF recommendation letter. 
• A list of repertoire you have conducted in public the last three years, including the ensemble, location, and date. If possible, this list should include all repertoire you have led in public but, when necessary, can instead be arranged to highlight the breadth of your performances. 
• Video samples (see requirements below)  

Video Audition

Applicants must upload FIVE video samples: 

• FOUR samples of the applicant conducting an orchestra in concert, from a minimum of two different concerts.  
• ONE sample of a rehearsal. This sample must include the applicant giving clearly audible rehearsal feedback to the ensemble. Please check the audio levels before uploading the video to make sure your speech can be heard. 
• All samples should be taken from the last five years, marked clearly with the recording date, and should display a variety of repertoire styles including classical, romantic, and modern works. 
• Samples should include the candidate working with at least two different orchestras.
• Note that at least ONE piece displayed must be written after 1950. Applicants are encouraged to include a modern excerpt in their audition, given Tanglewood’s deep commitment to performing new music.
• Repeat applicants are strongly encouraged to offer material different from that which they have previously submitted.

Each sample must be uploaded as a separate video file and together should total no more than 30 minutes in length. Videos should contain single camera footage that focuses on the conductor, not the ensemble.

Live Audition

A limited number of finalists for the TMC Conducting Program will be invited to participate in a live audition in Boston, MA with an audition committee, including BSO Music Director and Head of Conducting at Tanglewood Andris Nelsons, on January 7, 2026. 

Repertoire for the live audition will include: 

• Ludwig van BEETHOVEN – Symphony No. 5, 1st Movement 
• Johannes BRAHMS – Symphony No. 2, 1st Movement 
• Claude DEBUSSY – La Mer (Movements TBA) 

Finalists will be notified of their status by December 2, 2025. The TMC will reimburse candidates up to $1,000 for travel to the audition and provide hotel accommodations for one in Boston.