13–14 April 2026
Our next cohort of bold, talented women will join us for the 2026 Conducting Intensive. Applications for this round have now closed.
Key Dates & Info
What to Expect
Masterclasses and networking opportunities with leading conductors. Selected participants will be offered a place as a 2026 Scholar, with further study opportunities throughout the year.
Who It's For
This program is for music professionals, teachers and students with some conducting training who are serious about developing their skills in conducting.
Those who have taken part in previous WOTP symposium courses may apply, but only eight (8) places are available. Observer places will also be available.
This isn't your typical conducting course.
It's a launchpad.
Women on the Podium is a space where aspiring female conductors can take risks, make mistakes, and grow without judgement. Through intensive workshops, masterclasses, and real conversations with industry leaders, our scholars build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to step up and lead.
Our most recent Conducting Symposium was the biggest and most diverse yet. Over 20 scholars, four from interstate, and for the very first time, an international scholar. The momentum is real.
Learn from the best
Two internationally respected conductors and educators guiding the next wave of talent.
Alice Farnham
A trailblazer for women in conducting. Alice brings decades of international experience and a fierce commitment to opening doors.
Jessica Gethin
One of Australia's most dynamic conductors. Jessica gives scholars the inside track on what it really takes to lead from the front.
Hear it from the scholars
The WOTP program is such a supportive and collegiate environment. Each time I participate in the program I come away with something new that I have learnt and can apply to my conducting. Alice and Jess always encourage and challenge me to try new approaches and become the best conductor I can be.
Experiencing the full rehearsal process with Perth Symphony was a dream. Watching Jessica work taught me more about real-world conducting than I ever imagined.
Without this program, I'd never have found my love of conducting. Learning alongside like-minded women in a supportive environment gave me the confidence to back myself.
From scholar to centre stage
Women on the Podium graduate Sara Duhig has gone from workshop participant to conducting Perth Symphony Orchestra across major productions — from INXS Reimagined and Avatar Live in Concert to a range of films in concert. That's the kind of trajectory this program creates.
If it wasn't for Women on the Podium, I would not be a conductor at the level I am today. I hadn't really considered it as a path until this program came along with wonderful mentors like Jess and Alice. Being in that supportive, all-female environment was pivotal in my decision to continue my studies in conducting.
— Sara Duhig, Scholar 2023
Our Partners
This program is 100% funded by the generosity of our partners and donors. Without them, none of this happens.
Back the next generation of
fearless leaders
The Women on the Podium Giving Circle funds scholarships, workshops, and the kind of opportunities that change the course of careers.