The Orchestral Conductor’’s Career Handbook

The Orchestral Conductor’s Career Handbook is a guide for the musical and professional development of conductors. Carl Topilow provides practical advice for establishing a conducting career, addressing topics like education, jobs, orchestra types, programming, connecting with audiences, and even business aspects such as interacting with donors.

Carl Topilow has enjoyed an eclectic career holding music director positions with several orchestras including the National Repertory Orchestra (NRO), Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO), and founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra (CPO). He also served as conductor and director of the orchestral program and instructor for the master’s program in orchestral conducting at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). He was named faculty emeritus upon his retirement from that position.