World Class Conducting Tuition Since 2007

WHO WE ARE

Ten years ago, Achim Holub decided, after five years of experience with conducting concerts in London, to finally organize a conducting masterclass with orchestra.The interest was, right from the onset, very encouraging and the artistic outcome extraordinary:
The winner of the competition in January 2014 was Mathieu Herzog who subsequently conducted Kammerphilharmonie Graz at a concert in Austria the following summer.
Mathieu then went on to make an outstanding career as a conductor, founding his own orchestra 'Appassionato' in Paris and recording a hugely successful album for Deutsche Grammophon.Over 30 courses later and as a tribute to our beginnings, we decided to combine the repertoire of the first courses with the most popular symphonies you chose in our 10-YEAR-JUBILEE-SURVEY.
The winner of the competition will again conduct in Austria, this time a Beethoven symphony at a concert in August 2024.All participants in our London masterclasses will conduct at one or two concerts at an acoustically superb venue, including professional video & audio recordings.As always, Achim Holub will share his experience of 20 years of collaboration with many world-class musicians and recording companies like the Vienna Philharmonic and Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft in talks about career planning and record producing.MAIN FOCUS
Conducting technique and communication of interpretational concepts
Efficient preparation of parts and rehearsals
Insights on how to apply principles of the historically informed performance practice movement
Score analysis and memorizing techniques
Future-oriented career management and music business survival strategies
Advice on how to organize concerts and recording sessionsTARGET GROUPS
Conducting students and professionals; chorus masters; instrumentalists and music pedagogues who would like to improve their skills in ensemble leadership.COURSE LANGUAGES
English, German, Spanish, FrenchFurthermore, Achim Holub will give personal feedback with comprehensive career advice.
Do not miss the opportunity to receive professional instruction and valuable advice from one of Austria’s internationally most acclaimed conductors and please make sure to apply as early as possible!Please get in touch with us as early as possible, you can find the Application Form here.We very much look forward to again seeing many talented colleagues from all over the world at one of our courses in 2024!

ONLINE CONDUCTING TUITION

SPECIAL OFFER
5 Sessions for €200 | $220 | £170
Additionally, you will receive a €200 voucher if you book more than one concert at Achim Holub’s upcoming orchestra masterclasses in 2024.The sessions include conducting technique tuition, interpretational insights, score analysis and memorizing techniques, as well as career management advice.
The usual fee for a single Online Conducting Session would be €80/$90/£70.INCLUDED ARE
5 One-to-One Sessions: once or twice a week Skype or Zoom sessions
Email Support: within the session period you will be able to contact Achim via email regarding specific problems
A €200 voucher for any of Achim Holub’s upcoming orchestra masterclasses in 2024.PAYMENT
You can pay with credit card or via bank transfer in Euros, USD or GBP.ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Session Duration: 60 Minutes
Languages: English, German and Spanish
All sessions are private ONE-TO-ONE sessions via Skype or Zoom.
Login details will be sent to you together with confirmation of date and time of your session.SESSION CONTENT
Conducting technique and communication of interpretational concepts
Efficient preparation of parts and rehearsals
Insights on how to apply principles of the historically informed performance practice movement
Score analysis and memorizing techniques
Future-oriented career management and music business survival strategies
Advice on how to organize concerts and recording sessionsSESSION FORMAT
Question & Answer on specific technical, interpretational or organizational topics
Talk on a pre-approved topic
Analysis of a live-session with piano or ensemble
Feedback on a performance on video or audio
Preparation for future orchestra masterclasses in London, Austria and SpainHOW TO APPLY
Use this form or send a short message with your mobile number and a selection of topics you would like to work on to [email protected].

COMPLETE BEETHOVEN ONLINE

When I decided in 2015 to organize my first masterclass with the Complete Beethoven Symphonies I would never have thought that almost ten years later there had participated over 200 students in these courses, resulting in an almost unfathomable amount of individual performances and video footage with the London Classical Soloists.During my studies with my teacher Milan Horvat in Austria, I was introduced to Igor Markevitch’s analysis and edition of the Beethoven symphonies, a really remarkable achievement and still the standard regarding traditional, late-19th-century rooted performances.What I missed already back then was a guide to not only the technical problems, which are huge, but also to the performance practice and inspirational context of the time of composition.These works were conceived in a period when the shockwaves of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars were still ubiquitous, when a new consciousness of personal freedom was descending on Europe - and without understanding that era you do not understand Beethoven.So, I decided to build on my experience and give you the opportunity to have an introduction into this cosmos not only at masterclasses but also with personalized one-on-one online tuition sessions.You get:
- four 60-minute one-on-one online sessions on the symphonies Nos. 3 and 9
- seven 60-minute one-on-one online sessions on each of the remaining symphonies
- in-depth-analysis of the structure of each symphony with memorizing techniques
- a guide to the technical performance problems, both playing and conducting
- extensive information regarding historically informed performance of early 19th century music
- thoughts on how to deliver the historical and political context to a modern audienceFee: €350 for eleven sessionsUsually, the sessions will take place in a weekly rhythm, but can also be organized twice or three times a week.HOW TO APPLY
Use this form or send a short message with your mobile number and a selection of topics you would like to work on to [email protected].

LONDON APRIL 2024

Complete Beethoven Symphonies Masterclass & Competition
with the London Classical Soloists
Tuesday 2 April till Sunday 7 April 2024
Concerts on Thursday 4 and Saturday 6 April 2024The Complete Beethoven Symphonies has always been our most successful masterclass series so far, with hundreds of happy participants and more than 300 concert videos since its introduction 9 years ago.With the London April 2024 course, we are initiating a new scheme with which you will be able to have an exciting and super-professional experience, tailor-made according to your individual needs.From now on, participation will cost as little as £600 (€700, $760) and you will be able put together a personalized schedule via our Modular System.As always, you will be able to conduct your own selection of movements from all nine Beethoven symphonies.YOU GET
- one or two concerts at an acoustically superb venue in Central London
- the possibility to buy orchestra rehearsal time with a top-class orchestra in 20 minutes session modules [the price for one module is £300 (€350, $380)]
- as well as 12-15 minutes concert performances which will count as one module
- high-quality video and audio recordings of all concert performances
- one free Online Session with Achim Holub per booked module, minimum two [worth £140] , maximum eight [worth £560]PLEASE NOTE
- a deposit of £250 which is included in the course fee will be due one week after receiving our offer of place
- only participants who conduct at both concerts will be able to participate in the competition
- you will have to book a minimum of one orchestra session and one concert
- you will not be able to book more than two concert performances
- for each concert performance you will have to book at least one orchestra session module
- you can book more than one orchestra session module together with one concert
- the maximum number of modules you can book are eight sessions and two concertsEXAMPLES
- the minimum booking will be one orchestra session and one concert performance for £600 [podium time 32-35 minutes]
- the maximum booking will be six orchestra sessions and two concerts for £2400 [podium time 128 to 140 minutes]GENERAL INFORMATION
Venue: the courses will take place in Central London
Number of participants: 12
Public Concerts: Thursday 4 & Saturday 6 April 7.30pm
Competition Prize: a performance of a Beethoven symphony in Vienna in August 2024
Each participant will receive post-session feedback and one-to-one personal coaching sessions.DATES
Course starts: Tuesday 2 April 2024
Course ends: Sunday 7 April 2024
Arrival: Monday 1 April or Tuesday 2 April morning
Departure: Sunday 7 April afternoon or Monday 8 AprilFEES
Course Fee: £300 per modul (one modul is either one rehearsal session of 20 minutes or one concert performance of 12-15 minutes)
Minimum booking: £600, one rehearsal session and one concert [£250 Deposit + £350 remaining Course Fee]
Maximum booking: £2400, six orchestra sessions and two concerts [£250 Deposit + £2150 remaining Course Fee]
Deposit: £250, payable one week after receiving our offer of place
Application-Deadline: Friday 1 March 2024, 5pmFEE PAYMENT
There are no application or registration fees and we will try to process your application as quickly as possible.
The deposit will be due one week after receiving our offer of place.
Partners and family members of active participants will have free access to all sessions and concerts.REPERTOIRE
Beethoven: Symphonie Nos. 1-9 [Bärenreiter Urtext]
We recommend working on one movement per rehearsal session.
At each concert you will conduct one movement of your own choice.
There will be no concert performance of Symphonie No. 9, but feel free to work on any part during your session time.COMPETITION
All participants who conduct at both concerts will take part in the competition.
Both concerts will be part of the competition voting process.
All members of the orchestra will vote at both concerts.
Additionally, a panel of London based conductors, instrumentalists and music business professional will vote at the second concert.
The prize includes a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica in Vienna in August 2024, three days accommodation and travel expenses within Europe.APPLICATION
To apply, use the Application Form or send an email to [email protected] with your name, address, nationality, phone & mobile numbers and a short CV.
To secure your participation, please make sure to pay the deposit as soon as possible, within one week after receiving our offer of place, at the latest (payment details will be sent to you together with the offer).

PARTICIPANT'S FEEDBACK

The masterclass and competition were an ideal setting for musical freedom and growth. During the workshop, Maestro Holub discussed aspects of classical interpretation, which I found immensely thought-provoking and which have influenced my approach to studying classical scores. The workshop staff are supportive and want each conductor to achieve positive growth. I look forward to my continued contact with the staff as I continue to grow as a conductor.
Karin Hendrickson, Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaI have never been in the company of so many great conductors in the same place, at the same time! The orchestra is also brilliant and their level of musicianship, ensemble and technique is absolutely sensational. A ‘one rehearsal’ orchestra par excellence! I learnt so much from watching them and the other conductors work. Conductors came from all over the USA, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom – Music Directors, Associate Conductors, Doctors of music, Orchestra members from the best orchestras in the world and aspiring maestros all the same wanting to take a significant step forward in their reputation as a conductor.
Matheu Kieswetter, JohannesburgI would like to thank you again for a wonderful experience in London. I believe that this was one of the most positive experiences I've had since I had begun to conduct. Your positivity and support, together with the wonderful atmosphere and open communication with the orchestra members have truly created perfect conditions for me at this point in my professional and personal life. They allowed me to learn so much about myself and how I think about music, connect to it and experience it, while gaining more confidence in communicating my ideas about the score and emotional experiences to the members of the orchestra, and, hopefully, also the audience.
Thank you for this opportunity, your valuable feedback and priceless advice.
Yael Front, CincinnatiI would like to thank you again for your guidance during my time in London. Some "take-aways" that I have already put into practice include:
-How to stand to exhibit stability and confidence. A simple enough concept, yet one that had never been demonstrated or spelled out to me. Sometimes it takes just the right teacher to get a point across to a student, and that was you for me.
-The continued reminder that less is more, gesturally speaking. Especially with the London Classical Soloists, it was amazing to watch you lead them with so few, and yet so effective, gestures.
Dan Whisler, Louisville, KentuckyThe conducting masterclasses with Achim Holub and the London Classical Soloist are an excellent program that combines your formation as a conductor with a complete professional experience offered by an outstanding orchestra.
It's simply perfect!
Rubén Sanchez Vieco, MadridThe London April 2017 Masterclass with Achim Holub was a truly inspiring experience that reinforced my love for music and my passion for conducting.
As a teacher, Achim is incredibly encouraging and he really helped me to develop a greater sense of confidence as a conductor and in projecting my musical ideas.
The players of the London Classical Soloists, all highly proficient, are wonderfully supportive and very easy to get along with, demonstrating a high degree of sensitivity and flexibility.
It was clear that both Achim and the orchestra were completely dedicated to helping us to develop as conductors.
Sameer Alladin, Port of SpainIt was an experience that made me grow and from which I could learn many things. The London Classical Soloists are an exceptional orchestra and I felt perfectly at ease with them.
Davide Bontempo, MilanoThank you very much for a wonderful course! I enjoyed the excellent teachings of Achim and Christof and the high level of the orchestra. It was a pleasure!
Roit Feldenkreis, Tel AvivFirst of all, I want to thank Achim and Christof for the very good masterclass I was lucky to attend! It was an extraordinary experience and I appreciate your very useful and valuable advice. But I particularly enjoyed working with the London Classical Soloists, who are a really good team.
Olivier Murith, Villars-sur-GlâneI felt that I've learned a lot and, even though I realise how difficult it is to start a career in this field, my experience in London reinforced my will not to give up on that idea. The feeling of receiving from the orchestra so much love and enthusiasm for music is absolutely one of the best experiences one can have in life. I also very much appreciated the fantastic teaching, the good organisation, how extremely fair all the choices have been, and how much I felt that both Achim and Christof really gave each one personal attention besides a collaboration feeling with the whole class and orchestra.
Camilla Rossetti, ParisAchim, thank you and Christof for the course and the time spent to share what you know with us. It was eye-opening.
Pamela Soria, Ciudad de MéxicoThanks a lot Achim and Christof for giving me this chance, I got so many things to learn during these days, it was not just learning about conducting.
Through the work we did, you made me feel and understand more the deep meaning about music and the real meaning about being an orchestra conductor. Thanks also to the musicians in the orchestra, they are so great.
When I was on stage with them I just felt we all were like waves in the ocean of music, we had fused together and moved together, I really enjoyed this kind of feeling with them.
Jianning Zhu, Genève

APPLICATION

Many thanks for your interest in applying to one of our courses!
Please fill in the Application Form below, * denotes a mandatory question.
As always, there are no application or registration fees and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.Below the Application Form you can submit your Choice of Repertoire.

PAYMENT

Please find below credit card payment links for our courses and online tuition offers.
The currency will automatically adjust to match the standard currency of your location.

PRESS

COMPLETE BEETHOVEN
LONDON JANUARY 2025 COURSE I

Masterclass, Competition & Two Concerts with the
London Classical Soloists
Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Overtures to Prometheus & Coriolan
Thursday 2 till Sunday 5 January 2025Our most sought-after, with over 200 participants, hundreds of individual concert performances and as many videos since 2015, and hence probably the most successful conducting masterclass series in history, is back!Beethoven has accompanied me since my early childhood, first with his piano sonatas and then with his symphonies, which are an unstoppable source of intellectual and emotional inspiration.His whole biography is characterised by the strive for the ideals of the French Revolution and high personal values.Subsequently, no other composer had such an immediate influence on philosophy and politics, and consequently on ordinary people’s lives than Beethoven: it is not for nothing that the Ode to Joy has become the Anthem of the European Union.Since the last jubilee year 2020 was a very frustrating experience for all of us, the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, on 26 March 2027, is going to be an outstanding occasion.The London Classical Soloists and I are already starting preparations for the 2026/2027 season, we will go on tour with the complete symphonies, and the masterclass in January 2025 is going to be the starting signal for our personal Beethoven journey.Please join us for this extraordinary event, I very much look forward to seeing you in London in January!Best wishes
Achim HolubINCLUDED ARE
- a world-class orchestra
- two concert performances at an acoustically superb venue in Central London
- high-quality video and audio recordings of all rehearsals and concert performances
- daily one-to-one sessions during the course with Achim Holub
- piano and after rehearsal feedback sessions
- the opportunity to win the competition with prize money and to conduct a concert in Vienna in 2025PLEASE NOTE
- a deposit of £350 which is included in the course fee will be due two weeks after receiving our offer of place
- there are no registration or application feesGENERAL INFORMATION
Venue: the courses will take place in Central London
Number of participants: 12
Podium Time: four rehearsal sessions with orchestra, 80 minutes in total
Public Concerts (all participants conduct at both concerts): Friday 3 & Sunday 5 January, 7.30pmCOURSE DETAILS
Course starts: Thursday 2 January 2025
Course ends: Sunday 5 January 2025
Arrival: Wednesday 1 January or Thursday 2 January morning
Departure: Monday 6 January 2025FEES
Deposit: £350 [due two weeks after receiving our offer of place]
Course Fee: £1450 [£350 Deposit + £1100 remaining course fee]
Application-Deadline: Friday 29 November 2024, 5pm
The remaining course fee will be due two weeks before the start of the masterclass.
[Example: after receiving our offer of place you pay the £350 Deposit within two weeks and the remaining course fee of £1100 on 19 December.]FEE PAYMENT
There are no application or registration fees and we will try to process your application as quickly as possible.
The deposit will be due two weeks after receiving our offer of place.
Partners and family members of active participants will have free access to all sessions and concerts.REPERTOIRE
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Bärenreiter or Henle Urtext], Overtures to Prometheus & Coriolan [Breitkopf Urtext]
We recommend choosing three to four movements and one overture.
You will work on one movement/overture per rehearsal session.
At each concert you will conduct one movement/overture of your own choice.
Please note that there will be no concert performance of any movement of Symphony No. 9.
The orchestra will use Bärenreiter parts for the symphonies and Breitkopf for the overtures.COMPETITION
All participants will take part in the competition.
Both concerts will be part of the competition voting process.
All members of the orchestra will vote at both concerts.
Additionally, a panel of London based conductors, instrumentalists and music business professional will vote at the second concert.
Prize Money: 1st Prize £1000, 2nd Prize £750, 3rd Prize £500
The 1st Prize includes a performance of Beethoven's Eroica at a concert in Vienna in 2025, three days accommodation and travel expenses within Europe.APPLICATION
To apply, use the Application Form or send an email to [email protected] with your name, address, nationality, phone & mobile numbers and a short CV.
To secure your participation, please make sure to pay the deposit as soon as possible, within two weeks after receiving our offer of place, at the latest (payment details will be sent to you together with the offer).

ROMANTIC MASTERWORKS
LONDON JANUARY 2025 COURSE II

Masterclass, Competition & Two Concerts with the
London Classical Soloists
Works by Brahms, Elgar, Schumann, Tchaikovsky & Weber
Tuesday 7 till Sunday 12 January 2025INCLUDED ARE
- a world-class orchestra
- two concert performances at an acoustically superb venue in Central London
- high-quality video and audio recordings of all rehearsals and concert performances
- daily one-to-one sessions during the course with Achim Holub
- piano and after rehearsal feedback sessions
- the opportunity to win the competition with prize money and to conduct a concert in Vienna in 2025As always, Achim Holub will share his experience of 20 years of collaboration with many world-class musicians and recording companies like the Vienna Philharmonic and Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft in talks about career planning and record producing.MAIN FOCUS
Conducting technique and communication of interpretational concepts
Efficient preparation of parts and rehearsals
Insights on how to apply principles of the historically informed performance practice movement
Score analysis and memorizing techniques
Future-oriented career management and music business survival strategies
Advice on how to organize concerts and recording sessionsTARGET GROUPS
Conducting students and professionals; chorus masters; instrumentalists and music pedagogues who would like to improve their skills in ensemble leadership.COURSE LANGUAGES
English, German, Spanish, FrenchFurthermore, Achim Holub will give personal feedback with comprehensive career advice.
Do not miss the opportunity to receive professional instruction and valuable advice from one of Austria’s internationally most acclaimed conductors and please make sure to apply as early as possible!We very much look forward to again seeing many talented colleagues from all over the world in London in January 2025!PLEASE NOTE
- a deposit of £350 which is included in the course fee will be due two weeks after receiving our offer of place
- there are no registration or application feesGENERAL INFORMATION
Venue: the courses will take place in Central London
Number of participants: 12
Podium Time: five rehearsal sessions with orchestra, 100 minutes in total
Public Concerts (all participants conduct at both concerts): Thursday 9 & Saturday 11 January, 7.30pmCOURSE DETAILS
Course starts: Tuesday 7 January 2025
Course ends: Sunday 12 January 2025
Arrival: Monday 6 January or Thursday 7 January morning
Departure: Sunday 12 January afternoon or Monday 13 January 2025FEES
Deposit: £350 [due two weeks after receiving our offer of place]
Course Fee: £1550 [£350 Deposit + £1200 remaining course fee]
Early-Bird-Discount: £200
Early-Bird-Deadline: Friday 18 October 2024
Application-Deadline: Friday 29 November 2024, 5pm
The remaining course fee will be due three weeks before the start of the masterclass.
[Example: if you apply before the Early-Bird-Deadline of 18 October, you pay the £350 Deposit two weeks after receiving our offer of place and the remaining course fee of £1000 on 19 December.]FEE PAYMENT
There are no application or registration fees and we will try to process your application as quickly as possible.
The deposit will be due two weeks after receiving our offer of place.
Partners and family members of active participants will have free access to all sessions and concerts.REPERTOIRE
GROUP A
Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings C Major, Op. 48 [Henle Urtext]
Elgar: Serenade for Strings E Minor, Op. 20 [Henle Urtext]GROUP B
Schumann: Symphony No. 2 C Major, Op. 61 [Breitkopf Urtext]
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 E Minor, Op. 98 [Henle Urtext]GROUP C
Weber: Overtures to Euryanthe J 291 & Freischütz J 277 [both Breitkopf]We recommend choosing four to five movements and one overture.
You will work on one movement/overture per rehearsal session.
At each concert you will conduct one movement/overture of your own choice.COMPETITION
All participants will take part in the competition.
Both concerts will be part of the competition voting process.
All members of the orchestra will vote at both concerts.
Additionally, a panel of London based conductors, instrumentalists and music business professional will vote at the second concert.
Prize Money: 1st Prize £1000, 2nd Prize £750, 3rd Prize £500
The 1st Prize includes a performance at a concert in Vienna in 2025, three days accommodation and travel expenses within Europe.APPLICATION
To apply, use the Application Form or send an email to [email protected] with your name, address, nationality, phone & mobile numbers and a short CV.
To secure your participation, please make sure to pay the deposit as soon as possible, within two weeks after receiving our offer of place, at the latest (payment details will be sent to you together with the offer).

VALENCIA MAY 2024

INTENSIVE CONDUCTING TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP
on Legendary Challenges of the Romantic Repertoire
with piano
Excerpts from Weber Euryanthe, Brahms 1 & R. Strauss Till Eulenspiegel
Friday 17 May 17.00h till Sunday (Pentecost Sunday) 19 May 15.00hFor our next Intensive Conducting Technique Workshop, we are going to invite you to Valencia, one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with beautiful parks, beaches and of course spectacular food. You will not only work on some very challenging technical problems of the romantic symphonic repertoire, but also have a free three course Valencian lunch menu on Saturday.YOU GET
- technique sessions with piano and private one-to-one coaching with Achim Holub, one of Austria's most acclaimed conductors
- after sessions feedback meetings
- 2 free Online Sessions with Achim Holub before the start of the workshop
- you are invited to a free 3 course lunch on Saturday 18 May in the city centre of ValenciaCOURSE LANGUAGES
English, German, Spanish, FrenchPLEASE NOTE
- a deposit of €90 which is included in the course fee will be due two weeks after receiving our offer of place
- there are no registration or application feesGENERAL INFORMATION
Venue: the course will take place in the city centre of Valencia
Number of participants: 8
Podium Time with piano: 120 Minutes
One-to-One Coaching Sessions: 3 x 20 MinutesDETAILS
Course starts: Friday 17 May 2024 17.00h
Course ends: Sunday 19 May 2024 15.00h
Arrival: Friday 17 May morning or early afternoon
Departure: Sunday 19 May late afternoon or Monday 20 May morningFEES
Deposit: €90
Course Fee: €250 [€90 Deposit + €160 remaining course fee]
Early-Bird-Discount: €70
Early-Bird-Deadline: Friday 22 March 2024, 5pm
Application-Deadline: Friday 26 April 2024, 5pm
The remaining course fee will be due before the start of the masterclass.EXAMPLE
A participant who applies before the Early-Bird-Deadline of 22 March will pay a €90 Deposit two weeks after receiving our offer of place and the remaining course fee of €90 before the start of the masterclass.FEE PAYMENT
There are no application or registration fees and we will try to process your application as quickly as possible.
The deposit will be due two weeks after receiving our offer of place.
Partners and family members of active participants will have free access to all sessions.REPERTOIRE
Weber: Overture to Euryanthe, J. 291 [Breitkopf]
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 C minor, Op. 68, selected excerpts [Henle]
Richard Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel, op. 28 (TrV 171), selected excerpts [Breitkopf]
We will send you the excerpts you are going to work on after acceptance of your application.APPLICATION
To apply, use the Application Form or send an email to [email protected] with your name, address, nationality, phone & mobile numbers and a short CV.
To secure your participation, please make sure to pay the deposit as soon as possible, within two weeks after receiving our offer of place, at the latest (payment details will be sent to you together with the offer).