International Conducting Masterclass
with Markand Thakar
August 16-21 2020
Stony Point, NY
This masterclass will focus on growing musical understanding and building technical control.
"We work on about empowering the orchestra to make the best possible music"-M. Thakar
Master Teacher: Markand Thakar
Co-Director: Michael Avagliano
This week long intensive masterclass will allow conductors to focus on their craft in a beautiful, secluded setting in the bucolic Stony Point Center, located just 45 miles north of New York City. Conductors will work with renowned pedagogue and conductor Markand Thakar, including sessions with string quartet and piano, two full days of intensive interaction with the Stony Point Chamber Orchestra.
The masterclass is designed to promote awareness of body motion and expressivity, exploring the fundamentals of music-making. Maestro Markand Thakar will guide each conductor through eight conducting sessions, including four with full orchestra. Fellows will receive at least 60 minutes podium time with orchestra and 60 minutes podium time with quartet. All sessions will be recorded on video.
Associates will participate in all activities outside of conducting the ensembles.
Repertoire and Schedule TBA for 2020
Schedule will be similar to 2019
Repertoire from 2019:
Schubert String Quartet D. 810 "Death and the Maiden”
Beethoven String Quartet Op. 74 "Harp”
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, Op. 48
Beethoven Symphony No. 7, Op. 92
Mozart Symphony No. 36, "Linz"
Schedule from 2019
August 18 – Arrival day, no classes
Check-in after 4:00 pm
Dinner 6-7
Evening Conversation
August 19 – Technique and Music-making
8:00 Breakfast conversation
9:30-11:00 Technique and movement
11:00-12:00 Music Making and Score Study
12:00 -1:00 Lunch, free study time
1:00-2:30 Free study time
2:30-3:30 Technique and Movement
4:00-5:00 Music-making and score study
6:00 Dinner
Evening free
August 20 – Quartet day
Schubert: Death and the Maiden -- Beethoven: Quartet op. 74, "Harp"
8:00 Breakfast
9:30-10:00 Technique and movement
10:00-12:00 Conducting session with quartet
12:00-1:00 Lunch Conversation
1:00-4:00 Conducting session with quartet
4:30-6:00 Video Review
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Video review (if needed), free study time
August 21 – Quartet and Piano: Preparation for Orchestra
Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Mozart
8:00 Breakfast
9:00-10:00 Technique and movement
10:00-12:00 Conducting session with quartet
12:00-1:00 Lunch conversation
1:00-4:00 Conducting session with quartet
4:30-6:00 Video Review, optional technique
6:00 Dinner
7:30-9:00 Video review (if needed), free study time
August 22 – Orchestra: Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings
8:00 Breakfast
9:30-12:00 Conducting session with orchestra
12:00-1:30 Lunch conversation
1:30-4:00 Conducting session with orchestra
4:30-6:00 Video Review, optional technique
6:00 Dinner
7:30-9:00 Video review (if needed), free study time
August 23 – Orchestra: Mozart and Beethoven
Mozart: Symphony no. 36 -- Beethoven: Symphony no. 7
8:00 Breakfast
9:30-12:00 Conducting session with orchestra
12:00-1:30 Lunch conversation
1:30-4:00 Conducting session with orchestra
End of masterclass
(Exact Schedule subject to change)
About the Stony Point Center
Stony Point Center is a retreat center located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, New York. Welcoming Across Boundaries by providing overnight and day-use accommodations and meeting spaces for individuals and groups. We offer delicious, locally-sourced food; simple, comfortable guestrooms; and a caring touch that honors the distinctive needs of each guest.
SPC has simple accommodations with outstanding hospitality, including farm-fresh chef-prepared menus.
DIETS SUPPORTED
gluten free
halal
kosher
organic
paleo
raw food
vegan
vegetarian
AMENITIES
air conditioning
airport transfer
all meals included
wi-fi
wheelchair accessible
The Stony Point Center is a smoke-free facility.
Testimonials:
“This is the best workshop I’ve been to… I really appreciated the friendly yet passionate attitude that everyone brought, and the teachers set a wonderful tone for the workshop.”
“The balance of physical work, podium time, video reviews and evening conversations was really great!”
“I loved the light but focused atmosphere… everyone became close and was very supportive. The setting was tranquil, and the food was phenomenal!”
Tuition and Fees:
$1400 Fellow (full Participation)
$500 Associate
Room & Board
Sunday evening-Thursday Night
(Workshop ends Friday at 4pm)
$660 Double Room, $760 Single Room (all meals included)
$125 Commuter Rate (includes breakfast and lunch)
Total cost
$2160 Fellow, single room
$2060 Fellow, double room
$1260 Associate, single room
$1160 Associate, double room
$1525 Commuter (includes breakfast and lunch)
A deposit of $500 is required by July 11 to reserve your place.
The remainder of the fee is due by July 30.
