Course Eligibility

For CFF Budapest

This year’s course will run from 1-4 October, 2026. It “technically” sold out long before we’d even announced the dates.

We’ve now been through a cycle of giving accepted and/or waitlisted applicants the chance to FULLY secure one of these coveted spots by paying a deposit.

Some couldn’t make the dates we shared with them, so we have a few spots left.

If you want to be in with a chance for this unique opportunity, you should apply ASAP to avoid disappointment.

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.

£1150

+ VAT for UK participants only

Cost (2026)

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. This will happen once we receive two more deposits from accepted applicants.

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

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.  

As the course will be activated with a minimum number of people, students may wish to hold off on booking their travel arrangements until after 31 July, 2026 which is the LATEST date at which a go/no-go decision will be taken. Past experience suggests this could be much sooner.

A deposit of 25% of the course fee (including VAT for UK-based participants only) must be paid within 2 weeks of admission onto the program to secure a student’s place on the course.

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

  • To meet the latest “go” decision date that means that any balancing payments must reach CFF by 31 July, 2026.  

  • If the “go” decision −communicated by email− is made well before 31 July then payment will be expected within two weeks from the date of that “go decision” email.

If a “no go” decision is taken by 31 July, 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.