Conducting Institute
June 7-13, 2026
Princeton, New Jersey
Refine your skills as a Choral Conductor with Master Pedagogue Dr. Timothy McDonnell
The Catholic Sacred Music Project is excited to have its 4th Conducting Institute this June. The CSMP Conducting Institute offers emerging and established conductors a singular environment that balances instruction, study, prayer, and conviviality in an atmosphere of collegial support and encouragement. This unique and exceptional training opportunity will be hosted on the beautiful campus of Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey.
Eight Conducting Fellows will receive premium podium experience at the helm of a professional choir along with hands-on instruction from master pedagogue Dr. Timothy McDonnell. The music list for the Conducting Institute will represent various genres of sacred music drawn from classic and contemporary choral repertories, Gregorian chant, and traditional hymnody. Each day’s workshop sessions will be punctuated by sung Mass, Adoration, Compline, and Benediction, with service music conducted by Conducting Fellows and Conducting Auditors. The Conducting Fellows will conduct in a public concert at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel on Saturday, June 13, which will conclude the Conducting Institute.
Applications may be submitted until April 15, 2026.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 25, 2026.
Applicant Qualifications
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the Conducting Institute.
Applicants may be current university students, experienced amateurs, or professional church musicians seeking an opportunity for professional development.
Applicants must be available to attend the CSMP Conducting Institute in Princeton, NJ during the period of June 7-13, 2026 inclusive.
Conducting Fellow & Conducting Auditors
Conducting Fellows
Conductors fellows will be assigned a piece or two to prepare and conduct during the Conducting Institute , and will perform for the closing concert on June 13.
Conducting fellows will have daily podium time with a professional choir Conducting fellows will conduct a piece or two during the daily liturgies.
Conducting fellows will receive conducting instruction from Dr. Timothy McDonnell.
Throughout the Institute, conductors will have the opportunity to share their progress with one another in a communal setting of constructive feedback and mutual support, and to collaborate with the singers.
Conducting Auditors
Conductors auditors will be assigned a piece or two to prepare and conduct during the Conducting Institute , and will perform during the daily liturgies. Auditors will also sing for the closing concert in the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel alongside a professional choir.
Conducting auditors will have podium time with the choir of other conductors.
Conducting auditors will receive conducting instruction from Dr. Timothy McDonnell.
Throughout the Institute, conductors will have the opportunity to share their progress with one another in a communal setting of constructive feedback and mutual support, and to collaborate with the singers.
Program Expenses
The total registration cost is $1,250 per accepted conducting fellow (limit of eight).
The total registration cost is $900 per conducting auditor (limit of eight).
Meal cost is $235.00 for lunches and dinners or $325.00 for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
*Optional Princeton University on-campus housing cost is $525 (6 nights).
Partial scholarships may be awarded based on need.
Co-sponsored by
"I found myself being renewed in hope at meeting so many young musicians aspiring to serve our Church. And I was musically nourished through the incredible opportunity to meet and learn from Sir James MacMillan… I will certainly be attending again!"
— Colton Martin, 2021
FAQs
Should I apply?
All conductors eighteen years old and older are welcome and encouraged to apply. This program is designed to cultivate aspiring and established conductors in their choral careers. Please don’t not apply because you are afraid you won’t get in. You definitely won’t get in if you don’t apply!
Do I have to be Catholic to attend?
No, applicants do not need to be Catholic to attend the event. Those desiring to attend the event should be respectful of the Catholic Church and willing to participate in Catholic liturgies during the Conducting Institute.
Where will the conductors stay during the week?
Housing will be provided for the musicians in on-campus housing at Princeton University where they can walk around the historic downtown area.
I have more questions…
Please email any questions you have to Peter Carter at catholicsmp@gmail.com
Get On the List
Registration is not yet open, express interest and get on the list and we will notify you as soon as registration goes live.