Mahler may have gained his first conducting experience with the Conservatory's student orchestra, in rehearsals and performances, although it appears that his main role in this orchestra was as a percussionist.
Mahler puido ter adquirido a súa primeira experiencia como director coa orquestra de alumnos do conservatorio, en ensaios e interpretacións, aínda que parece que o seu papel principal nesta orquestra foi o de percusionista.