Ryan Dakota Farris, conductor Marcelo Lehninger, and Valery Saul smiling together at the Bellingham Festival of Music Conducting Institute, dressed in coordinated white attire.

Bellingham Festival Conducting Institute

Graphic of the Bellingham Festival of Music Conducting Institute logo.

Application Information for 2026

Bellingham Festival of Music | Marcelo Lehninger, Artistic Director
  • Application Opens: October 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: December 30, 2025
  • Application Fee: $50 (fee waiver available upon request)
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2026.
  • Applicants must be available for the full residency: July 1–26, 2026.
  • Applicants to the BFM Conducting Institute must submit:
    • Completed application form
    • $50 application fee (waiver available)
    • Resume
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Two Audition videos
  • Videos must be submitted as individual video tracks.
  • Submit two video recordings of recent conducting experience:
    • Each approximately 10 minutes in length
    • Featuring standard orchestral repertoire, ideally contrasting styles
    • Conductor must be clearly visible from a front view at a reasonable distance
    • Recordings must be from 2023 or later
  • Please include the recording date in the video title (e.g., Brahms Symphony No. 1, recorded October 20, 2024).

Conducting Institute fellows will:

  • Rehearse and conduct the Festival Orchestra in both rehearsal and public performance.
  • Lead a chamber orchestra in a featured concert with Festival musicians.
  • Receive individualized coaching and mentorship from Maestro Marcelo Lehninger.
  • Participate in score reading, analysis, and preparation classes.
  • Serve as cover conductors for mainstage performances.
  • Gain considerable podium time in rehearsal settings.
  • Take part in leadership masterclasses with Executive Director, Erika Block.
  • Network with musicians from major U.S. orchestras and the Bellingham community.

All rehearsals and sessions will be videotaped for personal study and faculty feedback.

  • Attend BFM concerts and community outreach events.
  • Engage with the Bellingham community and festival supporters.
  • Maintain an intensive schedule averaging six orchestral services per week.
  • Round-trip airfare to Bellingham.
  • Complimentary housing with local homestay hosts.
Apply Here

2024 marked the launch of the Bellingham Festival of Music Conducting Institute.

The Conducting Institute is the newest chapter in the Bellingham Festival of Music’s commitment to music education. It is also the realization of a dream of Maestro Lehninger, who as Boston Symphony Assistant and Associate Conductor, was inspired by the Tanglewood Music Center’s conductors seminar. He saw a rich opportunity for such a program on the West Coast.

The orchestra is the conductor’s instrument, he said. But it’s hard for an emerging conductor to get podium time and the opportunity to network. The BFM Orchestra offers a wealth of knowledge with its musicians coming from all over the country. So there is this wonderful chance for our conductors to form long lasting friendships and professional relationships.

The 2025 summer fellows have been appointed.

Photo of Conducting Fellow, Valery Saul leading the Festival Orchestra.

Valery Saul
2024-25 Conducting Institute Fellow

Photo of Conducting Fellow, Ryan Dakota Farris leading the Festival Orchestra.

Ryan Dakota Farris
2024-25 Conducting Institute Fellow

Conductor Ryan Dakota Farris leads a chamber orchestra performance in an elegant concert hall with chandeliers, as a large audience enjoys the live classical music event.