Let’s be honest; we’ve all had a go.

But if you find yourself conducting classical music on the radio while you’re cooking or you can’t resist conducting your kids as they honk through recorder practice, it might be time to level up and channel your interest into a real skill.

As luck would have it, the Cork International Choral Festival has announced details of its International Choral Conducting Course.

A four-day intensive hands-on course for choir conductors, the course runs from April 30th to May 3rd and will provide invaluable training in both the theory and practical methods of guiding choirs.

Conductors will have the opportunity to learn from renowned international guest tutors, Angeliki Ploka, a highly accomplished Greek choral conductor who has worked with several prestigious ensembles and choirs across Greece, Hungary, Spain, and the Netherlands, and fellow guest tutor Lázló Norbert Nemes, recently appointed co-artistic director of the Nationale Jeugdkoren of the Netherlands (National Youth Choirs of The Netherlands).

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of a variety of methods of guiding their choirs, including aspects such as tempo, sound, and expression. The course will be further enriched by an Ensemble workshop with Chamber Choir Ireland.

“This course offers a great opportunity for conductors to elevate their skills and broaden their networks,” said Peter Stobar, Artistic Director, Cork International Choral Festival.

“With expert guidance from Angeliki Ploka and Lázló Nemes, as well as the collaboration with Chamber Choir Ireland, participants can get invaluable hands-on experience from some of the best conductors in Europe.”

The cost is €295 per person and places are limited. Registration closes on 9th February 2024.