League Publications on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Orchestras

In This Section

As orchestras across the U.S. demonstrate a new will and energy to ensure that the field is inclusive and representative of the communities they serve, the League of American Orchestras is pleased to offer research and programs aimed to aid orchestras in their EDI efforts. 

Catalyst Guide: Audience Diversification

In this Catalyst Guide, learn from fifteen orchestras that are making progress towards engaging younger and more racially diverse audiences.

Racial/Ethnic and Gender Diversity in the Orchestra Field in 2023

Commissioned by the League, this report covers the ten-year period from the 2013-14 season through the 2022-23 season and presents analyses by orchestra role and demographic group, building upon the League’s landmark 2016 demographic study.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Artistic Planning

This Catalyst Guide lays out actionable strategies for orchestras seeking to diversify the repertoire they present, drawing on interviews with orchestras of all budget sizes (including orchestra grantees of the League’s Catalyst Fund Pilot and Incubator programs).

Catalyst Snapshots: EDI Case Studies from American Orchestras

In this series, League member orchestras share stories of the tangible progress they’ve made towards their equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals.

Promising Practices: Actions Orchestras Can Take to Make Progress Toward Equity

This free Catalyst Guide from the League of American Orchestras highlights concrete actions that orchestras can take to support their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) goals.

Making the Case for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Orchestras

Developed in collaboration with a team of peers—orchestra musicians, music directors, board members, and staff—this guide is intended to help the orchestra field take action to become more inclusive and welcoming of all people and all differences.

How Orchestra Boards Can Advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: A Guide from the League of American Orchestras

This May 2021 guide from the League makes the case for the vital importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion at orchestras—from the board perspective. The authors, board members themselves, discuss the urgency of this work and offer practical advice, contextual information, and strategies for boards and orchestras to become truly representative of the communities they serve.

Racial/Ethnic and Gender Diversity in the Orchestra Field

Commissioned by the League with research and data analysis by Dr. James Doeser, this study reports on gender and ethnic/racial diversity in orchestras among musicians, conductors, staff, executives, and board members. 

Forty Years of Fellowships: A Study of Orchestras’ Efforts to Include African American and Latino Musicians

Commissioned by the League with research and analysis by Nick Rabkin and Monica Hairston O’Connell, this study is an in-depth examination of orchestras’ past efforts to diversify their musician ranks with fellowships for African American and Latino musicians. The report presents program and impact data about diversity fellowships from 1976 to the present day, and explores the perspectives of fellowship program alumni. 

Of and For the Community

The League of American Orchestras’ first detailed report on the education and community engagement (EdCE) work of orchestras during the period of 2009 to 2014. 

Americanizing the American Orchestra

Published by the League of American Orchestras in 1993, Americanizing the American Orchestra is an initiative for change that challenges the orchestra field to take a collective look beyond their financial condition, to affirm the music and its history of accomplishment, and to build on this history and the orchestral art form to secure the future.