Frequently Asked Questions

There is no pre-screening or written examination. The course is open to applicants who meet one of the following criteria:

① Currently enrolled in or graduated from a music university or the music department of a university.
② Recognised as having equivalent knowledge and ability to a music university graduate.
③ Has attended a Japanese-German Philharmonic Society conducting masterclass or academy within the past year, or has attended four or more times in total.
④ Students currently enrolled in a music-specialist secondary school — please contact us separately.

Existing recordings, reference letters, or a CV may also be submitted for reference.

There are no restrictions based on conducting experience, age, or nationality. However, the eligibility requirements above must be met. Students aged 25 or under enrolled in a music high school, music university, or postgraduate programme are eligible for a significant reduction in tuition (limited places).

Music university graduation level (instrumental or vocal studies) is expected. Specifically:

① Ability to read scores in treble, bass, and C clefs in all keys
② Knowledge of all major and minor key signatures and harmony: triads, seventh chords, ninth chords, diminished seventh chords and their inversions, and cadences
③ Formal analysis: basic musical forms including Lied form and sonata form
④ Music history: familiarity with the stylistic differences between the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modern periods
⑤ Basic knowledge of orchestral instruments and their characteristics

The conducting course normally accepts up to 20 participants (maximum 22). Places are allocated in order of confirmed payment. Auditors are accepted separately.

Please use the application form on the relevant course page. Include your full name, email address, the subject line (course name and whether you are applying as an active participant or auditor), date of birth, and a brief musical CV (schools, major, teachers, etc.). Students currently enrolled should also attach a copy of their student ID or enrolment certificate. You will receive a reply with the outcome of the assessment and payment instructions. Your registration is confirmed on the date payment is received.

The course progresses in stages. The first phase focuses on score analysis combined with rehearsals using piano and a chamber ensemble formed by the participants (the instrumentation varies depending on who is present). The later phase moves to rehearsals with the full professional orchestra. (lessons run for approximately 7 hours daily including breaks).

Every participant is guaranteed the opportunity to conduct the orchestra — approximately 15 to 20 minutes per day, totalling 60 to 90 minutes including both rehearsal and concert time. This may vary depending on the repertoire and schedule. The Final Concerts are normally held on two separate evenings, and all participants conduct at least one complete work or movement.

The Symphonische Akademie of the Japanese-German Philharmonic Society was founded in 1998, initially drawing on young professionals who had trained at music universities and orchestras in Germany and Austria. Today it combines professional orchestral players and freelance professionals with academists (music university students and graduates). Participants who are professional musicians themselves are welcome to join the ensemble.

The size varies with the repertoire. Approximate figures:

① Baroque and early Classical works: 15–20 players
② Classical to early Romantic works: 30–40 players
③ Romantic and later works: 35–65 players

Yes. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are permitted during lessons and rehearsals, provided they do not disturb other participants. If you use a tripod or stand, please position it so it does not obstruct the conducting space or the view of other participants. Please note that starting from 2027, participants may not set up personal video cameras on stage during the Final Concert. Official audio and video recordings will be available for purchase upon request. Filming from the audience seats is permitted; however, setting up tripods in the aisles is not allowed.

A certificate of participation (Zertifikat) is issued to all participants. Participants who demonstrate outstanding ability may also be offered a recommendation letter from the course director for other masterclasses or competitions.

The most important preparation is to study the score thoroughly and build the music in your mind before listening to any recordings. Avoid learning the work primarily through recordings or videos — start from the score. Come prepared with a clearly reasoned interpretation of your own. Please also see our Preparation Guide for further details.

Yes. All participants must provide their own score. From 2026, photocopied or unbound scores are not permitted — please purchase a professionally bound edition. The Academy holds large-format conducting scores for the works on the programme; please contact us if you wish to purchase one.

Please use the edition specified in the repertoire list for each course. Using a different edition may cause inconsistencies in bar numbers and rehearsal markings, which disrupts rehearsal time.

Participants who play a string or wind instrument are strongly encouraged to bring it. Lessons that incorporate real orchestral timbre and ensemble interaction are far more productive than piano-only sessions.

Japanese, English, and German are all used. Key teaching points are communicated in multiple languages, but not every remark is interpreted simultaneously. A working knowledge of English or German is an advantage. Any instruction given in German will be translated into English or Japanese.

Yes, absolutely. A large proportion of participants come from outside Japan, and English is used throughout the course.

Fees vary by course. Please check the individual course pages for current fees. Early-bird discounts are available, and the discount is particularly substantial immediately after registration opens. From 2027, participants who attend in consecutive years will also receive a discount.

All fees are invoiced in Japanese yen.

Students aged 25 or under enrolled in a music high school, music university, or postgraduate programme are eligible for a significant reduction in tuition (limited places). Please include a copy of your student ID or enrolment certificate with your application.

Approximately €60 per day or €180 for the full course (fees vary by course). The Final Concert is open to the general public.

Euro amounts are approximate. Fees are invoiced in Japanese yen.

No. Travel, accommodation, and meals are not included and must be arranged independently. Please see our Area Guide for hotel information near the venue.

Bank transfer details will be provided upon receipt of your application. The date on which payment is confirmed is treated as the official registration date.

Cancellations made before the end of the month falling six months before the start of the course are free of charge. After that point, a cancellation fee of approximately €300 applies. Cancellations made after the end of the month falling three months before the start are non-refundable. Please check the individual course pages for exact dates.

Cancellation fees are invoiced in Japanese yen. Euro amounts are approximate.

Most courses in Japan take place at Saitama Arts Theater (Kammine 3-15-15, Chuo-ku, Saitama-City, Saitama Prefecture). The nearest station is Yono-Honmachi on the JR Saikyo Line (approx. 7 minutes' walk from the West Exit).

The JR Saikyo Line runs directly from Shinjuku to Yono-Honmachi in approximately 35 minutes. The line also serves Shibuya, Ebisu, Osaki, and Ikebukuro without a transfer. Note: the rapid commuter service (Tsukin Kaisoku) does not stop at Yono-Honmachi — please take a local or semi-rapid service. From Yono-Honmachi West Exit, the theater is a 7-minute walk.

There are numerous hotels in the Saitama-Shintoshin and Omiya areas. From Saitama-Shintoshin to the venue by taxi is approximately 2 km (¥900–1,100); from Omiya approximately 4 km (¥1,500–2,000). Please refer to our Area Guide for detailed hotel information.

If you use Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, or Outlook, please check your spam folder, as replies from the Society are sometimes filtered. If you have not received a reply within a few days of submitting your application, please check your spam folder first, then try contacting us from a different email address.

Please use the application form on the relevant course page to send your enquiry.