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Back to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

ASO, Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Atlanta, United States

Logo of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

General information

Instrument or role

Conductor

Job category

Performance

Number of positions

1 open position

Additional information
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) seeks a highly skilled and musically accomplished individual to serve as the Associate Conductor (Family and Student Concerts) and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), starting in the 2025/2026 season. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills both on and off the podium and a passion for engaging young audiences and youth musicians with a diverse range of orchestral experiences. The Associate Conductor will collaborate closely with ASO administrative teams, orchestra musicians, ASYO student musicians, and community stakeholders. This position reports to the Vice President of Artistic Planning and works in daily collaboration with the Vice President of Education and Community Engagement.
SCOPE OF WORK 
The Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director will demonstrate the following qualities: 
  • Advanced conducting technique. 
  • Rehearsal efficiency aimed at producing superior artistic performances. 
  • Positive rapport and effective communication with both professional and student musicians on and off the podium. 
  • Effective communication with audiences from the podium. 
  • A commitment to fostering a culture aligned with the ASO’s mission in education and community engagement. 
  • Collaborative planning and communication skills with key ASO departments (Education and Community Engagement, Artistic Planning, Operations/Production, Personnel, Library). 
  • A drive for professional growth in music education pedagogy, community connection, and musicianship. This includes score study, musical interpretation, and a deep understanding of the classical orchestral canon, with a commitment to representation across genres, time periods, and underrepresented composers. 
  • A demonstrated interest in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ASYO parents, ASO board members, donors, and the metro Atlanta community. 
The Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director be responsible for the following: 
ASO Family Concert Series 
Conduct three programs per season 
  • Approximately 15 hours of administration collaboration per program 
  • Three weekends per season: Saturday rehearsal and Sunday back-to-back concerts 
     
ASO Students at the Symphony Concerts 
Conduct 1-3 programs per season  
  • Approximately 20 hours of collaboration per program 
  • Performances include up to 18 weekdays per season; 1-3 rehearsal days, and 10-15 back-to-back performance days 
     
ASYO Music Director 
  • Conduct three cycle performances per year, typically held on weekends in November, February, and May 
  • Lead approximately 30 Saturday rehearsals from August to May (about 10 per cycle), plus weekday dress rehearsals as scheduled 
  • Lead retreat weekends in August and January 
  • Conduct additional performances as scheduled (e.g., tours, conferences, special events) 
  • Oversee the ASYO Concerto Competition judging panel 
  • Collaborate with the ASYO Manager, Vice President of Education, ASO musician coaching staff, and broader ASYO team for administration and long-term planning (approximately 5 hours per week year-round) 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 
  • Minimum of 3 years of professional conducting experience in a symphony orchestra setting (or equivalent experience) 
  • Strong knowledge of symphony orchestra structures and practices 
  • Strong knowledge of the symphonic and educational repertoire, demonstrating a deep understanding of both the classical orchestral canon and evolving repertoire trends. 
  • A demonstrated commitment to supporting the ASO’s mission to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture 
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills 
  • Proven ability to successfully manage relationships with orchestra staff, professional and student musicians, the music director, and other key constituents 
  • Flexibility to work days, evenings, and weekends as required 
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others 
  • Ability to communicate effectively and to handle calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency 
 

Employment details

Type

Part-time

Tenure

Permanent

Application process

Apply by

January 10, 2025

Application instructions
To apply for the ASO Associate Conductor position, please complete the online application form and upload the following: 
  • A cover letter that includes links to an introductory video of yourself (maximum 2 minutes, starting by stating your name) and links to videos of yourself conducting rehearsals and performances, with a preference for contrasting musical styles. All videos should be linked to a platform that does not require downloading (i.e. YouTube). 
  • Current résumé/CV 
  • A personal statement outlining your philosophy of education and community engagement through the lens of this role. 
     
Application Timeline: Applications will be closed on January 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Finalists will be notified by January 20, 2025, and provided with the repertoire list for the audition with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
 
Audition Date: February 4, 2025, at Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA. Finalists will be provided with round-trip transportation and hotel accommodation. 
Visit www.aso.org/education-community for more information on youth, family, and education initiatives. 
 

Audition dates

Finals audition

February 04, 2025

Audition information

Audition repertoire
contrasting musical styles of your choice