The Women on the Podium initiative is a comprehensive program providing a pathway for aspiring female conductors and music leaders to excel.
Participants benefit from workshops, conducting masterclasses, and insightful discussions with industry experts.
Renowned faculty members Alice Farnham (UK), Jessica Gethin (AU), and Kris Bowtell (AU) provide mentorship, developing skills in conducting, musicianship, and leadership.
This initiative is proudly supported by Women on the Podium Lead Partner, Wesfarmers Arts
Join us for the 2025 Symposium! #
We're excited to invite you to apply for our upcoming Symposium on the 10-13 April 2025, a gathering of passionate individuals who are eager to explore the latest advancements in our field.
What to Expect:
- Engaging discussions, masterclasses and networking opportunities.
- A chance to become a 2025 Scholar: Selected participants will be offered further study opportunities throughout the year.
- Collaboration with UWACS: Express your interest in becoming a 2025 UWACS Fellow (open to WA residents only).
Open to All:
This program is primarily designed for female-identifying and non-binary individuals. However, we believe in inclusivity and will be hosting an Open Session welcoming participants of all genders.
Financial Assistance Available:
The 2025 Conducting Symposium will likely cost a fee of $500. However, thanks to the generous support of PSO and our sponsors, bursaries are available to cover the cost for full-time students and those facing financial hardship
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: Friday, February 21st
- Notification of Acceptance: First week of March
Highly skilled and experienced conductors, already working in or aspiring to work professionally. Applicants must have completed at least 1 year’s training in the Women on the Podium Program or equivalent.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
A preparatory course for those aspiring to be Advanced Scholars, and eventually work in the professional sphere. Women of all levels who conduct community groups and/or in education, aspiring to improve the love of music in our society by becoming inspiring leaders are also invited to apply.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Young musicians who are still at a formative stage in their careers and would like to explore conducting as a potential profession. Tertiary-level music students and career musicians are encouraged to apply; recommended age bracket 18- 26 years old.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Interstate Scholars are welcome to apply for the conducting symposium: 10th to 13th April 2025. Interstate scholars who are successful must cover their own flights and accommodation to attend the symposium.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
University of Western Australia Choral Society Conducting Fellows will receive mentoring from Kristin Bowtell, including opportunities to discuss repertoire planning, auditioning and other features of conducting a symphonic choir.
One Fellow will be attached to each UWACS Season. Fellows will observe rehearsals and work with the choir weekly over the course of the season.
Fellows with suitable skills will also have the opportunity to conduct UWACS in concert and will receive a modest fee for doing so.
The UWACS Fellowship program is only open to WA based residents who have been accepted into one of the 2025 WOTP programs.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
The Open Session will be one workshop on the weekend of the symposium. It is open to every conductor, so if you can't make the full weekend, or if you don't want a full career in conducting, or if you are a school-teacher looking to get some help with your conducting, this is the workshop for you.
Everyone is welcome, not matter what gender, age, occupation, etc. Prior conducting experience is preferred, this workshop is to improve your skills, not teach the basics.
This year we are asking those who wish to join the open session to apply, like all the other participants, so we can get a bit of background knowledge and see what skill level they are.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
We are excited to welcome applicants to the 2025 Women on the Podium program. To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Short Biography (PDF format, 100 words):
Provide a concise 100-word biography, including any conducting professional development you've undertaken in addition to the Women on the Podium program.
- Video Introduction (2 minutes max):
Provide us a link to a dropbox or private youtube video where you speak directly to the camera. Share why you are applying to the program, your expectations, goals, and ambitions. Discuss your strengths and areas for improvement. If you're interested in the UWACS Fellowship, please address this as well.
- Conducting Video:
Provide us a link to a dropbox or private youtube video (no more than 2 minutes) showcasing your conducting skills. This can be with a piano or any ensemble, including choirs. The goal is to demonstrate your conducting abilities and style.
- Optional Supporting Documents (maximum 2 in total): Feel free to include any additional supporting documents, references, videos, or recordings that further highlight your qualifications, experience, and commitment to conducting.
Please ensure all documents are uploaded in their respective formats.
Applications should be submitted through the online form below.
We look forward to reviewing your application and thank you for your interest in Perth Symphony's Women on the Podium program.
Please note: Perth Symphony reserves the right to adjust Scholar groups depending on applicant numbers and program funding.
To apply for the 2025 Women on the Podium Program, please fill out the form below: #
TESTIMONIALS
“As an Advanced Scholar, I’m so appreciative of the opportunities we’ve had to work with amazing musicians already, including a professional string quintet and the WAAPA Symphony Orchestra. I learn so much with every workshop and am very excited for the coming year.”
- Sarah Mills Menogue, Advanced Scholar 2023
“I am honoured to be a 2023 intermediate scholar for Women on the Podium, I can’t believe that I was lucky enough to experience the entire rehearsal process with Perth Symphony Orchestra for their 100 Years of Disney concert. It was a dream come true! Through watching Jessica Gethin work with PSO I have already learned tips on how to work with a very tight rehearsal schedule, how to conduct with multimedia elements and can’t wait to see what else the year holds for those of us lucky enough to be in the program!”
- Claire Nankivell, Intermediate Scholar 2023
“Without Women on the Podium, I would not have discovered and grown my love of conducting, nor been able to study it to the extent that I have throughout my years in the program. Conducting is a very personal and exposing thing to do, so to learn this craft in an environment that is full of like-minded and supportive women helps provide us with the space to grow with confidence.”
- Jasmin Parkinson-Stewart, Advanced Scholar 2023