Open to both undergraduate and graduate students: Fully funded choral scholar positions available by application.

This track is available to those interested in pursuing conducting and/or professional choral singing. Scholars will participate in workshops with the faculty and serve as section coaches for the high school participants.

These positions are fully funded and are available by application (a resume or CV will be requested after registration). Choral Scholars must be able to pass a background check.

(chosen by application, space is limited to six conductors) 

$25 application fee 

Application due: April 1st; notified by May 1st

If invited to serve as a choral scholar, the value of this experience is between $333-$600.

Once we have received your application registration, we will reach out to you directly to ask for your resume or CV. 

Master Class Conductor Graduate / Emerging Professional – Conductor (chosen by application, space is limited to six conductors) 

$25 application fee (may be used toward registration fee if accepted)

Application due: April 1st; notified by May 1st

$425 (no housing - includes early bird pricing)

$575 (with housing - includes early bird pricing)

Selected conductors will receive podium time with the festival chorus and chamber ensemble as well as individual instruction from guest clinicians.

Choral Conducting, Leadership, & Vocations Institute Schedule
Graduate_Emerging Professional Track

June 14-18, 2026 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN 

Vocation comes from the Latin vocare—“to call.”

The National Lutheran Choir’s Summer Conducting, Leadership, and Vocation Institute is a four-day immersive experience for musicians exploring their calling through conducting, singing, leadership, and vocational discernment. Designed for students and emerging professionals at multiple stages, the institute blends artistic excellence with mentorship and community.

Graduate//Emerging Professional AUDITOR Track

• For advanced conductors refining technique and philosophy
• Advanced rehearsal management and conducting philosophy
• Score study and long-range artistic planning
• Reading sessions and repertoire selection
• Choral vocal pedagogy workshops
• Singing in the festival chorus

Tuition Includes

• Instruction & workshops
• Festival chorus participation
• All music (digital in advance; physical on site)
• Folder, pencil, and institute T-shirt
• All lunches and dinners (beginning on Sunday evening)

For an additional $150, on double occupancy campus housing is available to participants. By selecting "single occupancy" as your housing option, you will need to pay an additional $50. You may select these options during your check-out process.

1st installment $50, non refundable

No refunds after May 15

June 14-18, 2026 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN 

Vocation comes from the Latin vocare—“to call.”

The National Lutheran Choir’s Summer Conducting, Leadership, and Vocation Institute is a four-day immersive experience for musicians exploring their calling through conducting, singing, leadership, and vocational discernment. Designed for students and emerging professionals at multiple stages, the institute blends artistic excellence with mentorship and community.

High School Track, for rising 11th-12th grade students*

For rising musicians exploring leadership and music beyond high school.

• Fundamentals of conducting and gestural language
• Leadership skills from the podium
• Rehearsal readiness and musicianship foundations
• Vocal pedagogy focus
• Career and vocation exploration:
• Music as a profession (education, church, community)
• Music as a lifelong avocation
• Singing in the festival chorus alongside peers pursuing music after high school

High school participants conduct in masterclass sessions within their cohort.

All high school track participants are required to stay in on-campus housing. 

*students who will have graduated from high school in 2026 are considered part of the high school cohort.

Choral Conducting, Leadership, & Vocations Institute Schedule High School Track 

1st installment $50, non refundable

No refunds after May 15

June 14-18, 2026 | Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN 

Vocation comes from the Latin vocare—“to call.”

The National Lutheran Choir’s Summer Conducting, Leadership, and Vocation Institute is a four-day immersive experience for musicians exploring their calling through conducting, singing, leadership, and vocational discernment. Designed for students and emerging professionals at multiple stages, the institute blends artistic excellence with mentorship and community.

Undergraduate Track

For collegiate musicians preparing for advanced study and leadership roles.

• Advanced conducting techniques with singers and chamber ensembles
• Podium opportunities with the festival chorus
• Rehearsal management and score preparation
• Choral vocal pedagogy workshops
• Career readiness for the 21st-century conductor
• Vocational discernment post-college

For an additional $150, on double occupancy campus housing is available to participants. By selecting "single occupancy" as your housing option, you will need to pay an additional $50. You may select these options during your check-out process.

1st installment $50, non refundable

No refunds after May 15