Youth Philharmonic Conductor

Charleston Symphony; Charleston, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 9,000 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charleston Symphony seeks an inspiring educator and experienced conductor to lead the Charleston Symphony Youth Philharmonic (CSYP), the intermediate full symphonic ensemble within the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras (CSYO) program.

The conductor will combine high artistic standards with strong teaching instincts, guiding students through increasingly challenging repertoire while building ensemble precision, musical independence, leadership, and artistic expression.

Qualifications

• Three years of conducting experience with youth or collegiate ensembles.
• Experience with full symphonic ensembles and repertoire knowledge.
• Strong teaching, mentoring, and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct weekly rehearsals and schedule performances.
• Select developmentally appropriate repertoire with CSO leadership.
• Develop ensemble skills, listening, and musical independence.
• Create an inclusive, disciplined environment and collaborate with staff.
• Coordinate with conductors to ensure cohesive progression across ensembles.
• Develop audition requirements and participate in auditions and placements.
• Communicate progress and program needs with leadership and colleagues.
• Support recruitment, retention, and community visibility for CSYO.
• Model professional conduct and comply with CSO policies for minors.

Skills

Conducting youth orchestras

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in music performance / conducting / music education

Job description

The Charleston Symphony seeks an inspiring educator and experienced conductor to lead the Charleston Symphony Youth Philharmonic (CSYP), the intermediate full symphonic ensemble within the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras (CSYO) program. Serving as the bridge between the Charleston Symphony Youth Sinfonietta and the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Youth Philharmonic prepares advancing students for the artistic and technical demands of advanced orchestral study and performance.

The conductor will combine high artistic standards with strong teaching instincts, guiding students through increasingly challenging repertoire while building ensemble precision, musical independence, leadership, and artistic expression. The successful candidate will create an inclusive, disciplined, and encouraging environment and collaborate with CSO artistic and education staff, students, families, educators, and community partners to support a cohesive educational pathway and strengthen the program's impact throughout the region.

• Prepare and conduct weekly rehearsals and schedule Youth Philharmonic performances throughout the season.
• Select developmentally appropriate symphonic repertoire aligned with the ensemble's artistic and educational goals, in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra Conductor and CSO Artistic Director.
• Develop students' ensemble skills, orchestral listening, stylistic understanding, musical independence, leadership, and artistic expression.
• Establish an engaging, inclusive, and appropriately challenging environment that promotes high standards, accountability, curiosity, and collaboration.
• Coordinate with the Youth Orchestra and Youth Sinfonietta Conductors to create a cohesive artistic and educational progression across the three ensembles.
• Develop audition requirements in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra Conductor and participate in student auditions and ensemble placement decisions.
• Communicate promptly and effectively revise with the Chief Operations and Impact Officer, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, and fellow conductors regarding scheduling, student progress, and program needs.
• Support program development, student recruitment and retention, community visibility, and advocacy for the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras.
• Model professional conduct and comply with CSO policies and procedures, including those governing work with minors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in music performance, conducting, music education, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least three years of conducting experience with youth or collegiate orchestras.
• Experience conducting full symphonic ensembles.
• Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and instrumental pedagogy.
• Demonstrated success in teaching, mentoring, and developing young musicians.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with students, families, educators, colleagues, and community supporters.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by the rehearsal and performance schedule.
• A strong commitment to music education, youth development, community engagement, and the Charleston Symphony's mission.
• Passion for the arts.

Compensation

$250 per service. Each rehearsal and performance constitutes one service.

• Mission: To inspire and engage our community through exceptional musical and educational programs
• Vision: To be a premier cultural destination and leading performing arts organization that sparks lasting connections and transformative impact for all of Charleston

The Charleston Symphony is one of the fastest growing Orchestras in the United States and is a forward-thinking orchestra in one of the nation’s most dynamic and thriving cities. Concert attendance has increased by over 75% since before the pandemic, reflecting the community’s strong support for live music. Following a successful inaugural endowment campaign that surpassed $15 million, a second campaign is underway to further strengthen the Symphony’s long-term artistic and financial foundation. In 2025, the CSO marked a major milestone with its debut at Carnegie Hall.

Rooted in 90 years of artistic tradition and guided by core values of excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation, the CSO is focused on attracting and retaining outstanding talent while building a sustainable future that supports competitive compensation and artistic fulfillment. Musicians have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in a thriving orchestra while living and performing in a vibrant cultural city known for its rich history, dynamic arts scene, and coastal beauty.