How does one train to become a music conductor and how much do they earn?

Firstly, one must understand that conductors of orchestras are kind of like the rock stars of the classical music world. It’s not impossible to become one, but it is a long hard road that goes something like:

Get a Phd in music from a well respected university. While earning that accolade, either be a prolific composer of note or a member of an orchestra. From there you work your way up the political ladder until such time as the current conductor croaks and you are there to take his place.

Just as the aspiring rock star more often than not winds up scraping together a living re-stringing guitars for the local music store, more than likely you will wind up as a high school band director who scrapes together some extra money on the side teaching piano lessons.

(This realization, BTW, is essentially why I decided to drop the music major and opt for software engineering instead)

Thank you! I had No idea they have to have a Ph.d in music ! you certainly made an excellent choice of major.

It’s not that you have to have a Phd. It’s just that it is very much a political game and only those with the most visible track record, best credentials, and highest social standing in “the scene” are taken seriously.

I did the double major thing for awhile, but ultimately decided that the music major would not help me much. However, my two favorite college courses were:

1) Physics of music acoustics
2) Conducting (I still have a video lying around somewhere of my conducting final exam/performance)