Conductor's Workshop
June 24-27, 2026
Directed by Dr. Robert Baldwin
In partnership with the Salt Lake Symphony
Interpret, Inspire, Improvise!
Workshop is focused on the study of orchestral conducting, concentrating on movement,
communication, and connection. Featuring score study, podium time with both orchestra
and piano quintet, concentrating on innovative ways for making connections with your
musicians and audiences. Attendees will learn methods of centering, body awareness,
communication, and deepening their connection to the music and ensemble players. Techniques
will be utilized from Viola Spolin’s innovative Theater Games, Bruce Adophe’s exercises
in his book, The Mind’s Ear, and other sources.
Application/Registration
Interested University of Utah graduate conducting students will be automatically accepted.
Others may apply by sending a 15-minute unedited recording of conducting and a resume to Robert Baldwin at robert.baldwin@music.utah.edu
Up to eight active participants will be accepted. If not selected as a participant, attendees will have the option to be an auditor.
Auditors may attend all sessions but will not have podium time.
Fee:
Participants: $1000.00 USD, payable to Salt Lake Symphony
Auditors: $500.00 USD, payable to Salt Lake Symphony
June 23
7 -9:30 a.m.
Salt Lake Symphony rehearsal/reading of workshop repertoire with Dr. Baldwin only (Optional, participants may attend/observe, if desired)
June 24
7-9:30 a.m.
Workshop Welcome and introduction to Improvisation and Laban movement
June 25
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Improvisation, Movement and Score Study sessions
7-9:30 p.m.
Evening session with SLS Piano Quintet
June 26
9 a.m. - Noon
Morning Improv and Music Score Study Session
2-4 p.m.
Afternoon application of techniques to music
7-10 p.m.
Evening Full Orchestra session with Salt Lake Symphony
June 27
9 a.m. - Noon
Morning movement classes and session with piano quintet
3-5:30 p.m.
Dress rehearsal for concert
7 p.m.
Participant Concert with Salt Lake Symphony at Libby Gardner Hall
June 28
9 a.m. - Noon
Optional "Maestro Hike" with Robert Baldwin
Faculty
Robert Baldwin
Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting, University of Utah; Music Director,
Salt Lake Symphony; Music Director, Sinfonia Salt Lake
Kerstin Caldwell
Teacher of Theatrical Improvisation; Founder of the Yes! Lab, Owner/Instructor at
Gaining Perspective
Lawrence Spell
Director of Instrumental Ensembles and Conducting, Transylvania University, Laban
movement for conductors
Repertoire
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, op. 36 (“Enigma Variations”)
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 (2nd and 3rd mvts. in entirety, plus the opening of the 4th
mvt.)
Podium Time
Students will work with a piano quintet and a full orchestral complement of musicians
in coaching sessions, rehearsals and in performance. Performance selections will be
assigned as the workshop progresses. Estimated podium time is estimated at one-hour
for each student. Video will be available for participants.
Maestro Hike
Participants may elect to join on the optional “Maestro-Hike” on the Sunday morning
following the workshop. The purpose of the outing is to demonstrate observational
issues in nature that may be applied to score study as well as build a sense of collegial
support. The hike, in the beautiful mountains of northern Utah, will be approximately
3-4 miles round trip, and of a easy-moderate difficulty level.