Forge is a bold new alternative to expensive postgraduate study - designed to give you the most valuable, real-world learning at a fraction of the cost. We’ve distilled the essential elements of a master’s-level education into an intensive, practical, 30-week online course that fits around your life. If you're an ambitious conductor ready to grow fast, lead with confidence, and invest in your future without breaking the bank, Forge is for you.

Yes. You’ll need some experience in choral conducting to get the most out of this course. Forge is designed for those who are ready to build on what they already know and take their skills to the next level. If you’ve led choirs before and are hungry to grow, you’re in the right place.

Yes. You’ll need to have regular access to a choir throughout the course. This is important not just for recording rehearsal footage, but also for trying out new ideas and techniques in real time. It doesn’t need to be a professional group - any consistent ensemble works, whether it’s a school, youth, church, or community choir. What matters most is that you have regular contact and the chance to rehearse with them throughout the course.

Each week includes a 60-minute Rehearsal Review, where a mentor leads the cohort through feedback on a student’s rehearsal video - highlighting strengths, offering guidance, and opening up discussion. After the review, there’s a break, which can also be used informally as a Huddle - a chance for the cohort to connect, reflect, and share experiences. Then it’s into the 60-minute Mentor Seminar: an interactive, expert-led session on a key aspect of choral conducting, from gesture and rehearsal planning to vocal technique or career pathways. To round things off, you’ll be set a short Guided Learning task to focus your development through the week.

Each student will be asked to record footage of their rehearsals at least three times during the course. It’s important that you capture yourself clearly while conducting, but you don't need to film your choir members, in fact it's important that they are not in shot.  Don’t worry about fancy equipment; a phone on a tripod is absolutely fine. 

We work with aspiring conductors from all over the world, so it’s important that our course schedule reflects that diversity. By offering multiple course options across different time zones, we make sure you can access the full Forge experience - no matter where you’re based. This approach also helps us build global cohorts, where conductors from different cultures and backgrounds can learn from one another. Wherever you are, you’ll be fully supported and right at the heart of the Forge community.

All online sessions will be recorded, so if you need to miss one, you’ll still be able to catch up afterwards. That said, the real magic happens live - being in the room with your cohort, asking questions, and joining the conversation is where the most valuable learning takes place. We do ask that you prioritise attendance as much as possible - not just for your own progress, but for the benefit of your cohort too. 

Forge isn’t an accredited course - and that’s by design. Formal accreditation can slow things down and make it harder to stay responsive to the real needs of today’s choral world. By staying independent, we’re free to keep the course dynamic, practical, and closely aligned with the way the industry actually works right now.

While Forge isn’t a formal qualification, what you do get is a rich toolkit of choral leadership skills, invaluable industry connections and a clearer sense of your own conducting mission. You’ll build a portfolio of rehearsal footage perfect for job applications, plus a guaranteed reference from your principal mentor. Beyond that, you’ll join an international cohort of like-minded conductors who’ll become a lasting network and support system throughout your career. It’s about real growth, real connections, and real opportunities.

Each of our mentors brings a wide breadth of experience across many kinds of vocal groups - from youth choirs to chamber ensembles, symphonic choruses to community choirs. At the same time, each has developed a particular focus or specialism within that range. While we’ll always consider your preferences, we ask you to trust us to pair you with the mentor we feel will best support your development based on your stated goals. Our mission is to match you with someone who will challenge, inspire and help you grow in all the right ways.

If the course fee feels like a big step, consider whether your choir, school, or organisation might be willing to help cover some or all of the cost. Many groups have budgets for professional development and see supporting your growth as an investment in their own musical future. It’s often easier than you think to explore this option - and it shouldn’t hold you back from applying. Just have a chat with your leaders, and you might be surprised how willing they are to support you. 

The full course fee is £4000, but if you apply early, you could receive up to £500 off. There is also a monthly payment plan available to help spread the cost. We’ve tried to keep things as flexible and accessible as possible, so take a look at the full pricing details above and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions.

Yes - there is an application process so we can make sure the course is the right fit for your level of experience. We want to build a group where everyone can thrive, learn from each other, and move forward with confidence. Places are limited on each course to a small cohort of 12 so each student gets meaningful attention and support. You can apply for any of the available courses at any time, and the Directors will assess your suitability for the programme within 10 days. If you're offered a place, you’ll need to pay the deposit within a further 10 days of acceptance, or by the registration deadline (whichever is earlier) to secure your spot. Courses are advertised 18 months in advance, so if you are planning to apply for funding to study with Forge, please make sure you select a programme far enough in advance to arrange your funding before the registration deadline. The process is straightforward, and we’re here to help if you have any questions along the way. 

You’ll need a phone or a basic camera (which can record video and audio) facing you while you conduct. You don't need to take film of your singers. You’ll also need a computer with a good enough internet connection to access our live sessions. 

Yes - all our sessions, feedback, and materials are delivered in English, so a good working proficiency is essential to get the most out of Forge.