Course Eligibility

For CFF Budapest

This year’s course will run from 2-5 October, 2025.

“Technically” it sold out before we’d announced the dates, but it’s still worth applying for the waitlist as you might still get on this year’s course.

  • Successful applicants will only secure their place if they pay their 25% deposit within two weeks of us sending the first invoice featuring the final dates.

    • These were sent out on 4 March so applicants have until 18 March to confirm their interest.

  • If these applicants don’t pay their deposits and/or the remainder of the course fee in a timely manner … or they drop out later, we will release their spot(s) to those on the waitlist.

Participation is open to adults (a) with an undergraduate or master’s degree in music ideally within the last 3-4 years, or (b) who can demonstrate a similar level of skill. Particularly important requirements are:

  • The ability to read a full score

  • A working knowledge of orchestration

  • Experience playing at least one instrument to a high level.

Previous conducting experience is beneficial but not required, as Daryl is quite skilled at tailoring feedback to differing levels. Please see FAQs for more information.

For suitably qualified applicants, spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

£1100

+ VAT for UK participants only

Cost (2025)

The course fee, including deposit, is 100% refundable only if cancelled or postponed by Conducting for Film. The course will be activated with a minimum number of participants.

Students will need to find and pay for their own transportation, lodging and meal arrangements, though we will provide suggestions upon acceptance to the course.  

We recommend that students take out travel insurance in case of problems outside of anyone’s control.

As the course will only be activated with a minimum number of people, students may wish to hold off on booking their travel arrangements until 1 August, 2025 which is the LATEST date at which a go/no-go decision will be taken. It could be much sooner.

A deposit of 25% of the course fee (including VAT for UK-based participants only) must be paid to secure a student’s place on the course.

  • For successful applicants who received their first invoice on 4 March, their deposit must be received by 18 March.

    • If not received by then, their place may be offered to the next person on the waitlist, at which point whoever pays their deposit first secures their spot on the course

The remaining balance will be due within two weeks of confirmation that the course will run.

  • The latest “go” decision date will be 1 August, 2025, meaning the payment needs to be received by 14 August.

  • However, the “go” decision may be taken significantly sooner.

    • If that is the case, then the payment for the rest of the course will be expected within two weeks from the date of the email containing the 2nd invoice.

If a “no go” decision is taken by 1 August, then your deposit will be refunded in full within two weeks.

All payments must be paid by bank transfer, the details of which will be provided upon acceptance to the program.