Conducting Fellowship
In Partnership With Butler University
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Conducting Fellowship provides one-of-a-kind professional mentorship opportunities for the next generation of choral conductors. Especially focusing on large-scale choral-orchestral masterworks, the Conducting Fellowship is a collaborative initiative between the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Butler University, a 4,600-student liberal arts institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The two-year Fellowship provides full tuition. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have earned a Master of Music in choral conducting from Butler University and gained practical and applied experience addressing the artistic and administrative needs of leading symphonic choirs.
The Conducting Fellowship provides a 360-degree experience in the guidance of a premier symphonic chorus, including artist programming, development, communications, governance, and outreach initiatives.
Additional Information
Click here to email the Butler University School of Music with questions related to the Conducting Fellowship or here for more information.
For additional information about the Conducting Fellowship, email Dr. Eric Stark, Artistic Director at estark@butler.edu.
Meet Joseph Gilbar
Our 2026-2027 Conducting Fellow
Joseph Gilbar is a graduate student pursuing an M.M. in Vocal Performance. Joseph hails from Laramie, Wyoming where he received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal performance. During this time, he was an active member of the mixed and men’s ensembles as a tenor. As part of his responsibilities with the choir, he took on roles as section leader, running rehearsals, and sectionals. Choral music has always been a large part of Joseph’s life, from memories of running around at rehearsals as a child to performing in some of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world in England, the opportunity to continue working with the medium at a high level is exciting and humbling. Joseph looks forward to his first year with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and the chance to make moments that matter to others as much as they do to him.
Program Highlights:
Tuition Waiver
A full tuition remission is included with the 2-year program
Experience
Receive hands-on, practical experience administering one of the nation’s most active symphonic choruses
Podium Time
Gain podium time conducting a 150-voice chorus
Networking
Network with partnering organizations including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra