About the program:
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Youth Fellowship Program is an orchestral training program for students in grades 9-12. [Younger musicians (gr. 6-8) may be considered on a special case-by-case basis.] The program is intended for dedicated music students interested in pursuing orchestral music as a career. Open by audition only, this full-scholarship program provides students in the Washington, DC metropolitan area the opportunity to study with a National Symphony Orchestra musician or Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNOO) musician*; participate in Chamber Music coachings by a member of the National Symphony Orchestra; play in side-by-side rehearsals with the NSO; observe NSO rehearsals and attend concerts; and participate in master classes and discussions with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and NSO/Kennedy Center administrators. The program's goal is to provide young musicians with the skills and knowledge to pursue a 21st century career in music. Some program experiences will focus on college-readiness and citizen artistry. This is a monitored, performance-oriented program, designed to encourage students to become professional orchestral musicians. It is the purpose of the program for accepted students to study privately with musicians of the NSO. Those students who elect to remain with their private teacher instead of an NSO musician may not be given priority for admittance into the Youth Fellowship program. Past NSO Youth Fellowship participants have gone on to achieve great success with orchestras, professional chamber ensembles, and arts organizations as musicians, arts educators and arts entrepreneurs. Orchestras throughout the country with graduate Youth Fellows include Philadelphia, Atlanta, Cleveland, Houston, Boston, Montreal and our own National Symphony Orchestra.
*A limited number of places may be available on an as needed basis for students who opt to continue private study with their non-NSO or non-WNOO teacher. Lesson fees with non-NSO or non-WNOO musicians will not be covered by the program.
Important: Please read carefully and complete all items on the application form. Each application must be signed by the applicant and a parent or guardian and must be accompanied by the required recommendation letter, written or video personal statement, audition recording, and financial information sheet.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 28, 2023
Live Audition Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The NSO Youth Fellowship Program is committed to working with students and families to make high-level music education affordable for all, regardless of their financial situation. Fee waivers are available to any student applying to the program upon request.
Contact the NSO Education Office at nsoyf@kennedy-center.org or (202) 416-8827 with questions.
Questions about accessibility or accommodations? Contact the Office of Accessibility directly at (202) 416-8727(voice) or access@kennedy-center.org.
2023-2024 NSO Youth Fellowship Program
About the program:
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Youth Fellowship Program is an orchestral training program for students in grades 9-12. [Younger musicians (gr. 6-8) may be considered on a special case-by-case basis.] The program is intended for dedicated music students interested in pursuing orchestral music as a career. Open by audition only, this full-scholarship program provides students in the Washington, DC metropolitan area the opportunity to study with a National Symphony Orchestra musician or Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNOO) musician*; participate in Chamber Music coachings by a member of the National Symphony Orchestra; play in side-by-side rehearsals with the NSO; observe NSO rehearsals and attend concerts; and participate in master classes and discussions with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and NSO/Kennedy Center administrators. The program's goal is to provide young musicians with the skills and knowledge to pursue a 21st century career in music. Some program experiences will focus on college-readiness and citizen artistry. This is a monitored, performance-oriented program, designed to encourage students to become professional orchestral musicians. It is the purpose of the program for accepted students to study privately with musicians of the NSO. Those students who elect to remain with their private teacher instead of an NSO musician may not be given priority for admittance into the Youth Fellowship program. Past NSO Youth Fellowship participants have gone on to achieve great success with orchestras, professional chamber ensembles, and arts organizations as musicians, arts educators and arts entrepreneurs. Orchestras throughout the country with graduate Youth Fellows include Philadelphia, Atlanta, Cleveland, Houston, Boston, Montreal and our own National Symphony Orchestra.
*A limited number of places may be available on an as needed basis for students who opt to continue private study with their non-NSO or non-WNOO teacher. Lesson fees with non-NSO or non-WNOO musicians will not be covered by the program.
Important: Please read carefully and complete all items on the application form. Each application must be signed by the applicant and a parent or guardian and must be accompanied by the required recommendation letter, written or video personal statement, audition recording, and financial information sheet.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 28, 2023
Live Audition Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The NSO Youth Fellowship Program is committed to working with students and families to make high-level music education affordable for all, regardless of their financial situation. Fee waivers are available to any student applying to the program upon request.
Contact the NSO Education Office at nsoyf@kennedy-center.org or (202) 416-8827 with questions.
Questions about accessibility or accommodations? Contact the Office of Accessibility directly at (202) 416-8727(voice) or access@kennedy-center.org.