Essentials of Orchestra Management
In This Section“The gold standard of orchestra management training”
2024 Essentials cohort and faculty. Photo Credit: Juan Patino
Applications are now open for 2025 Essentials of Orchestra Management, taking place in New York, presented in collaboration with Juilliard Extension on the Lincoln Center Campus, July 22-31, 2025.
For additional information, please contact David Styers at dstyers@americanorchestras.org.
Empowering Orchestra Leaders for the Future
The League of American Orchestras’ Essentials of Orchestra Management is a transformative, ten-day professional development program designed to equip early and mid-career orchestra leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel as leaders and catalysts for change. The program provides participants with the opportunity to:
1. Learn key skills and gain insights into orchestras and their role in society
Essentials offers crucial insights into the key functions and constituencies within American orchestras, emphasizing their unique roles and interconnectedness. It offers a collaborative and reflective environment to consider orchestras’ societal impact, while inspiring participants to envision innovative pathways to the future.
2. Join a dynamic network of professionals
Essentials connects participants with a diverse cohort of talented early and mid-career professionals. Participants come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build lasting relationships during the immersive ten-day experience that continue for years to come through the League Alumni Network.
3. Build their leadership capacity to strengthen orchestras
Through a distinguished and diverse faculty and the sharing of effective practices, participants develop core leadership strategies to foster collaboration, navigate challenges, and implement successful change to ensure orchestras are vibrant, relevant arts organizations.
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
Become a member
Thank you for your interest in the League of American Orchestras! We are dedicated to advancing the orchestral experience for all.
Join Now