The application deadlines for 2008 women conductor opportunites have passed. Please use the below information as a reference only.
The League of American Orchestras is pleased to announce an extension of the resources it offers to Women Conductors. This new three-part initiative broadens the League’s investment in talent and leadership development, in order to impact a traditionally under-served community of artists. Encompassing League Conference seminars, professional mentoring, and financial assistance for career development, the program reflects an ongoing and meaningful commitment to artistic diversity as well as artistic growth.
The new opportunities build on the legacy of the Women’s Philharmonic, which provided training and opportunities for women musicians, composers, and conductors. While women composers and players have made great strides in the professional orchestra realm, women conductors still account for less than 10% of all professional conductors in the orchestra field.
When the Women’s Philharmonic ceased operations, it invited the League to receive and administer a fund established by the Gabilan Foundation dedicated to the professional growth and advancement of women conductors. The League is pleased to have been entrusted with these resources, and to be carrying on this important mission of the Women’s Philharmonic.
Click here for the press release.
These opportunities align with the League’s Strategic Plan in the following ways:
Please note: Except as noted below, all programs are limited to women who are individual members of the League of American Orchestras, or who hold staff positions with League member orchestras.
Combining professional training, leadership development, and project-based financial support, this annual program includes the following three components:
Individual grants in amounts up to $3000, for projects and activities intended to support the artistic growth and professional development of women conductors of exceptional talent.
Eligibility:
The program is open to women conductors who have completed academic training, and who have one or more years’ professional experience. The grant program is aimed at those in the early to mid-career stage.
2008 grant application deadline: February 15th, 2008.
Award notification on or by: March 20th, 2008.
2008 grants will be awarded for activities beginning April 1, 2008.
Click here for granting guidelines and applications.
Eligibility: Open to women who hold the position of Music Director with professional orchestras.
League Mentoring Circles provide opportunities for focused, mentor-led discussions through phone and web-based conferencing. Each Mentoring Circle is comprised of six 90-minute meetings, which occur monthly over a six-month timeframe. Content is flexible, dynamic, and confidential, driven by the needs of the individuals and the group.
Click here to apply online (note: applicants must send a resume under separate cover)
Application deadline extended: February 14, 2008
Participant fee: $275
A 2008 Orchestra Leadership Academy Seminar for Women Conductors, featuring noted career coach Rayona Sharpnack.
Using the proven methods found in her book “Trade Up: 5 Skills for Redesigning Your Leadership & Life from the Inside Out,” noted career coach and author Rayona Sharpnack leads this highly interactive session which examines the challenges and opportunities women conductors face in the symphonic, opera, and choral fields. A great opportunity for women conductors to share their experiences, and establish a powerful leadership network with their peers.
This seminar will be offered on June 11, 2008 as part of the National Performing Arts Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Note: In conjunction with the National Performing Arts Conference, this seminar will be open to women conductors in the choral and opera fields as well those in the symphonic arena. League membership is not a requirement for this seminar.
Participant fee: $190 (pay only $165—a $25 savings--by registering before March 31st, 2008).
Check the League website after January 15, 2008 for registration details and information.
These opportunities for women conductors are made possible through the generous support of the Gabilan Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Hearst Foundation, Inc., The Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Argosy Foundation, and The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation.