Conducting and Teaching Workshop

Join us this summer for the annual three-day Conducting and Teaching Workshop at the University of Oklahoma, an event designed to inspire, challenge, and refine your craft. Led by OU’s conducting faculty and a guest clinician, this workshop offers an opportunity to grow as both a conductor and educator. Through hands-on sessions in conducting technique, rehearsal pedagogy, ensemble leadership, and teaching artistry, participants will gain practical tools and insights that translate directly to the podium.

Choose your experience as either a Conducting Participant or an Observer. Conducting Participants will conduct the OU Summer Chamber Winds daily with some of the most engaging repertoire in the chamber wind tradition. You’ll receive personalized feedback, one-on-one coaching, and access to masterclasses, clinics, and panel discussions with leading professionals. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network, or reignite your passion for conducting, the OU Conducting and Teaching Workshop offers an inspiring environment to take your musicianship to the next level.

Participant - $425

Participants will receive feedback and coaching on their conducting from the Workshop Faculty. The participant track is designed for conductors of all levels with a desire to learn and grow. Preference for the conducting participant track will be given to applicants with a completed bachelor’s degree.

Observer (rate varies)

Observers will attend all sessions but will not conduct the live ensemble.  This track is open to all and recommended for all levels of musicians.

• Observer - Standard Rate - $150
• Observer - Undergraduate Music Major (any school) - $25
• Oklahoma Music Educator 1-day Observer - FREE
  • You will select your day (June 3, 4, or 5) when registering. The event schedule will be posted as the event nears.

Additional Items

Permits are required to park on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus, at a cost of $3 per day. You can purchase 3-day or 1-day parking pass through the store below.

There is a voluntary group outing to watch the OKC Comets Baseball team game on the evening of Thursday, June 4, 2026. You can purchase tickets through the store below, and you are welcome to bring friends and family.

J. Eric Wilson, Professor of Ensembles and Conducting, has been Director of Bands at Baylor University since 2006. He provides administrative leadership for all aspects of the band program, conducts the Wind Ensemble, and teaches and oversees undergraduate and graduate conducting curricula. Dr. Wilson is Past-President of the Big 12 Band Directors Association and current President of the College Band Directors National Association Southwestern Division. He was recently elected into the American Bandmasters Association and honored as Outstanding Professor for Tenured Teaching by Baylor University in 2014. Dr. Wilson is in high demand as conducting clinician and adjudicator. He has directed numerous honor bands and conducted his own groups at TMEA, CBDNA, and The Midwest Clinic conventions. Prior to joining the Baylor faculty, he served twelve years on the faculty of Abilene Christian University. Dr. Wilson holds the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from ACU. Prior to his university appointments, Dr. Wilson taught in the Texas public school system.

Dr. William K. Wakefield
Director of Bands Emeritus
University of Oklahoma

Dr. Caroline Hand
Interim Director of Concert Bands
University of Oklahoma

Professor Brian Britt
Director of Athletic Bands
Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts
University of Oklahoma

Dr. Eric Shannon
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
University of Oklahoma

Professor Lane Folds
Interim Associate Director of Bands
University of Oklahoma