The Operations Intensive will introduce participants to the real-life opportunities and challenges that operations managers face today and highlight the creative and adaptive skills that they need to effectively assemble orchestra musicians on stage for performances. The course will include open discussion and practical scenario exercises as well as time for individual reflection.

This program is geared to people new to operations management and those interested in deepening their skills in this critical area of orchestra leadership. Operations managers of smaller-budget orchestras and operations staff of larger-budget orchestras are especially encouraged to apply, as well as those more broadly interested in pursuing a career that includes operations management. By the end of the Intensive, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of operations practices in orchestras
• Build strong relationships between internal and external stakeholders and staff teams and musicians
• Think holistically and creatively about planning, budgeting, systems, and processes
• Increase understanding and awareness of critical issues, such as electronic media and performances outside an orchestra’s typical space
• Cultivate a network of peers, mentors, and resources for continued professional development

The Intensive will cover key functions of orchestra operations management at orchestras, including:

• Systems, processes and tools for concert planning, scheduling, and budgeting
• Understanding relationships with music directors, conductors, orchestra musicians, guest artists, internal and external stakeholders, and community partners
• New concert formats and cross-genre projects such as concert opera, film, and chamber concerts with onstage seating
• Venue partnerships, facility governance, and shared-use operations, including relationships with municipal and third-party stakeholders
• Electronic media, from livestreaming and archival recording to in-hall IMAG and commercial media projects
• Performances beyond the concert hall
• Planning for disruption and change

This Intensive will be led by Houston Symphony staff:

• Gary Ginstling, CEO
• Vicky Dominguez, Chief Operating Officer
• Meredith Williams, Director of Operations
• Adrian Hernandez, Concert Media Producer
• Brad Sayles, Director of Recording and Chief Audio Engineer

And with guest speakers:

• Robert Eubanks, Executive Director, Foundation for Jones Hall
• Dale Googer, Senior Director, Events and Venues, Houston First Corporation
• Barry Thomas, President, IATSE Local 51
• Musicians from the Houston Symphony

• Application fee: $65
• Program tuition: $1,500

Tuition covers 4 days of instruction, housing for 3 nights in Houston, and a ticket to the Houston Symphony concert on Friday, April 2. Residency on site is required. Each participant will be responsible for covering their own costs of travel and most meals. Full and partial scholarships based on financial need are available.

Participants are expected to commit to all 4 days of the program and attend all sessions and associated events. Partial attendance is not permitted.

We will have a Zoom welcome for introductions on Tuesday, March 16, 2027, from 3:00-4:00pm Eastern. The program will begin at Jones Hall in downtown Houston with an opening reception on Wednesday, March 31 at 5:00pm Central and conclude on Saturday, April 3 at 11:30am Central.

Accommodation is provided in single-occupancy hotel rooms. Check-in is on Wednesday afternoon, March 31; check-out on Saturday, April 3.

Post-Intensive, participants will remain engaged through:

• Digital learning library of presentations and resources for future reference
• Instant messaging through class WhatsApp group
• Informal mentoring with faculty and staff
• Virtual re-convenings at 3 and 6 months
• League Alumni Network activities online and in person
• Invitations to alumni receptions at the National Conference and other League gatherings

Note: Applicants will be notified by Thursday, December 17, 2026. If accepted, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $500 will be due immediately. The tuition balance will be due by Tuesday, February 23, 2027.  

Application deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Up to 20 participants will be selected based on demonstrated experience, career potential, commitment to orchestra operations management, and motivation and goals for participating in this professional development program. The League especially invites applicants from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the orchestral field. All program applicants will receive a one-year professional membership to the League.

Applicants must complete an online application with following requirements:

Please upload the materials below with your application. Text documents should be in pdf format. Applications that exceed the stated page/word/duration limits will not be considered.

1. Personal Written Statement (500 words maximum answering the below three questions)

• Question #1: Why do you want to work with and support orchestra operations?
• Question #2: Share a life experience or perspective that has affected who you are today and how it shapes your desired impact on the orchestral field.
• Question #3: How does this program fit into your career goals?

2. Resume (2 pages maximum)

3. Biography (up to 250 words)

4. Financial Aid (optional)

• Scholarship monies are available for need-based tuition awards. Please submit your 2025 tax return (if not available, your 2024 tax return is acceptable). All information will be kept confidential.

5. Pay the non-refundable $65 application fee.

• The cost for your first submission to one of our programs launching in 2026 is $65. If you have already applied for a program this year through Acceptd, each subsequent application to a second, third, or fourth program will be at no cost to you. You must use the following coupon code in order to negate the cost of your additional submissions: 02LEAGUE26. (The first character is a zero.) 

Only fully complete applications will be considered. All submitted materials become the confidential property of the League of American Orchestras and will not be returned. Applicants will be notified by Thursday, December 17, 2026. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.