Scott E. Woodard 
Conductor

Scott E. Woodard is an American conductor known for his expressive musical leadership and commitment to storytelling through sound.

​

A native of West Virginia, he has conducted a broad spectrum of ensembles across the United States and internationally – including the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Valley Symphony, Huntington Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Philharmonic, Macon Symphony Orchestra, and the Florence Chamber Orchestra in Italy. His international engagements have also included appearances with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra in Russia.

​

He currently serves as Music Director of the West Virginia State Philharmonic Orchestra and the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra.

​

With more than three decades of experience, Woodard has established himself as a versatile and thoughtful conductor whose work bridges tradition and the present. His repertoire spans the core orchestral canon – from Beethoven, Brahms and Tchaikovsky to Mahler – as well as music of the 20th and 21st centuries. He is known for programs that combine artistic depth with an acute sense of storytelling, cultural reflection, and emotional clarity.

​

In addition to his artistic work, he is a dedicated educator and arts advocate. As Director of Orchestral Activities and Professor of Conducting at West Virginia State University, he mentors the next generation of musicians and music educators. His passion for community engagement is reflected in collaborations with youth orchestras, schools, and cultural institutions across Appalachia and beyond.

​

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from Boston University and has participated in masterclasses with Leonid Korchmar and Pyotr Gribanov. His academic background also includes degrees in music education and performance.

​

Scott E. Woodard brings to the podium a quiet intensity and a belief that music must move – not only in structure, but in spirit. His performances are shaped by narrative instinct, artistic discipline, and a deep sense of human connection. Guided by a clear artistic vision, he continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike with performances that are as intellectually engaging as they are emotionally compelling.

​

​