Essentials of Orchestra Management
In This Section“The gold standard of orchestra management training”
2024 Essentials cohort and faculty. Photo Credit: Juan Patino
Congratulations to the 2024 Essentials cohort! 2024 Essentials of Orchestra Management takes place in New York, presented in collaboration with Juilliard Extension on the Lincoln Center Campus, July 24 – August 2, 2024.
For additional information, please contact David Styers at dstyers@americanorchestras.org.
Essentials of Orchestra Management provides a unique, 10-day immersive experience to prepare current and aspiring orchestra professionals with the tools and mindsets they need to grow as leaders and progress in their careers. Since its inception in 2000, more than 600 individuals have participated in Essentials, including many who now hold key leadership positions in orchestras. This residential program on the campus of The Juilliard School in New York City provides an in-depth overview of orchestra management, builds career networks, and offers participants an interactive opportunity to build necessary skills and mindsets to become innovative and successful leaders in the arts.
The program is taught and directed by faculty leadership:
- Scott Faulkner (Faculty Director), Principal Bassist, Reno Philharmonic & Reno Chamber Orchestra; Former Executive Director, Reno Chamber Orchestra; Director, League Alumni Network
- Laura Reynolds, VP, Impact and Innovation, San Diego Symphony
- John McCann, Founder and President, Partners in Performance
and guest faculty comprised of prominent leaders of the orchestra and arts field.
The League’s President and CEO, Simon Woods, will also play a role leading sessions and mentoring.
“My creative/professional high point of 2016 was getting to learn from some of the most brilliant orchestra executives.”
Shiva Shafii, former Director of Communications, Seattle Symphony
“It was fantastic to get to know a group of people with such a different array of backgrounds and levels of experience. Everyone is so passionate.”
Ignacio Barrón Viela, President & CEO, The Florida Orchestra
Who is eligible to apply?
Early and mid-career professionals, musicians, career changers, and students are eligible to apply, as well as experienced administrators who wish to expand and deepen their knowledge base in all aspects of an orchestral organization. The League especially invites applicants from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the orchestral field.
In a highly competitive application process, up to 36 applicants will be selected based on demonstrated experience, potential, commitment to serving American orchestras, and motivation and goals for participating in this professional development program. Applicants will have the opportunity to apply for financial aid. All program applicants will receive a one-year membership to the League of American Orchestras.
More Essentials Information
- Read the 2024 press release
- Read the 2023 press release
- Read the 2022 press release
- Read an article in Symphony magazine’s Winter 2022 issue on Essentials
Essentials of Orchestra Management is made possible by grants from Trish & Rick Bryan, 25th Century Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Banner: 2018 Essentials of Orchestra Management. Photo: Abigail R. Collins Photography
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