From 9:30am on Saturday 20 February 2027
to 4:30pm on Sunday 21 February 2027Venue: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - Music, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR
Venue: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - Music, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR
Join us for two days of practical conducting training, at Initial level and Intermediate level, including podium time for all participants.
Tutors: Liz Garnett (Initial) and Mark Jordan & Lucy Hollins (Intermediate)
Booking options are flexible, with the option to attend as a conductor for an individual day or the full weekend, or as an observer to the Intermediate course.
The Initial level is designed for those who are either new to leading choirs, or have conducted for a while and want to back up their experience with training. The Intermediate level is designed for those who already have experience in leading a choir and may have had some previous training.
The course will develop and extend existing leadership skills, enabling you to prepare your choir with greater confidence. We expect participants to be able to sing, have a basic level of sight-reading for the Initial course, and a competent level of sight-reading for the Intermediate course. If you are unsure which level is most suitable for you, please contact elisabeth.brierley@abcd.org.uk
Students will receive individual feedback after each training weekend with a recommendation for their next course level. We anticipate that most students will need to attend approximately two – three weekends at the Initial level and three – four weekends at the Intermediate level; however, this is just a guide and each student’s journey through the abcd training programme will be individual and based on the feedback they receive from our experienced pool of tutors.
Getting to the venue:
By car: Unfortunately the Conservatoire doesn’t have its own car park. The nearest car park is Millennium Point Multi-Storey Car Park which can be accessed from Howe Street, off Jennens Road. If you are using a sat nav please use the postcode B4 7AP for the Millennium Point Car Park.
By rail: Birmingham is served by two mainline stations – Birmingham New Street in the City Centre and Birmingham International for the airport and NEC. Snow Hill and Moor Street train stations are also in the city centre. New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street are all less than a 15 minute walk from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Further details about the venue/map/directions can be found on the Conservatoire website here.
Accessibility: All Conservatoire spaces are accessible by wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Accessible toilet facilities are also available. Please contact elisabeth.brierley@abcd.org.uk to discuss your access needs.
Fee:
Initial level – Day rate: £145 for non-members, Weekend rate: £280 for non-members.
Intermediate level – Day rate: £165 non-members. Weekend rate: £310 for non-members.
Observers are welcome to observe Intermediate level training. Day rate: £50 non-member.
Discounted rates for abcd members – 20% discount for abcd Members, 25% discount for abcd Member Plus. Find out more about member discount here.
Bursaries: There are a limited number of bursary places available for young conductors (18 – 28 year olds) or any conductor who works with young singers. Bursary places are £150 for the weekend, or £80 for the day. Contact Elisabeth Brierley for more information.
