INSTRUMENTAL > Conducting Fellowship
June 23 - August 14, 2012
The David Effron Conducting Fellowship is awarded to a gifted student pursuing a career in conducting. The applicant must be enrolled in or recently graduated (within the last year) from a graduate conducting program. Mr. Muffitt will guide the studies of the conducting fellow.
The conducting fellowship package includes a $2000 stipend given to the fellow after arrival. It also includes covers the cost of travel to the festival (up to $500) and transportation to Chautauqua from Erie or Buffalo Airport if flying.
Application Procedures
- Deadline is March 15.
- Submit the application online.
- Upload your audition video directly with your application. Video should be a minimum of 30 minutes in length, but no more than 60 minutes, and can be either rehearsal or performance. Whichever showcases your best work.
- Recommendations from three different people submitted online.
- A current headshot and resume (these can also be uploaded directly with your application).
2012 Conducting Fellow
Roderick L. Cox
Roderick L. Cox is quickly becoming recognized nationally as an emerging young conductor. He has been described as not only “uncommonly talented,” but also, “extremely musical.”
In 2012, Roderick was selected from an international pool of applicants as the David Effron Conducting Fellow. He is a recent finalist for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor position. In 2011, Roderick conducted the Northwestern University Contemporary Music Ensemble in the world premiere of “Clock Puncher,” written by composer Chris Fischer-Lochhead. Roderick also led the Mercer University McDuffie Center for Strings Ensemble in the world premiere performances of selections by award winning composer William May. By invitation from the Big “O” Youth Foundation and acclaimed violinist Robert McDuffie, Roderick made his Georgia Concert debut for the biannual “Evening of Respect Concert,” which serves to celebrate the life and legacy of Otis Redding.
Roderick earned his Master of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He studied orchestral conducting with Victor Yampolsky and wind conducting with Mallory Thompson. His education has been shaped by influential conductors and pedagogues, such as Marin Alsop, Gustav Meier, Larry Rachleff, Donald Schleicher, Robert Spano, and Mark Gibson, and Adrian Gnam. In May 2009, Roderick graduated summa cum laude from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, where he received his Bachelors Degree in music education and studied conducting with Robert Rumbelow.
“Chautauqua was a place that changed my life in so many ways. It was an experience of immense artistic and personal growth. As a musician, I am now much stronger. Chautauqua gave me the opportunity to simultaneously sharpen the many tools I have while acquiring more and, motivated me to strive for musical excellence in any endeavor I pursue. As a person, I now have a community of talented friends, colleagues, advocates for the arts and influential mentors in my corner, like Timothy Muffitt, as I develop a career in music. Chautauqua is a place where the arts are celebrated at its highest level and it is my hope to return to this very special community very soon.”
Roderick Cox, Assistant Conductor, Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra
