The Academy

Changing the face of classical music, one musician at a time.

our mission

member benefits

info sessions

auditions

current member portal

who we are

The Columbus Symphony Academy is an intensive musical training program designed for serious and passionate student musicians in grades 5-12 who would not otherwise have the resources to pursue music at the highest level. The Academy will provide these young musicians with the essential musical experiences that will prepare them for success in a professional performance career in classical music.

Curious about the program? Are you, or is someone you know, an eligible student and interested in having an Academy trial lesson?

Complete the Interest Form or attend an Info Session!

Academy interest form

Our Mission

Building sustaining performance careers for young musicians traditionally underserved in classical music through transformative musical experiences.

The Academy aims to remove barriers, both musical and non-musical, that keep young musicians from pursuing sustaining performing careers.

Through key Columbus resources, including music instruction, financial support, career mentorship, and performance opportunities, Academy members and their families will receive the foundational guidance necessary to get them on the path to the professional stage.

Together, we will change the face of classical music.

Why This Work Matters – Learn the Data that Supports Pathways Programs

The League of American Orchestras has conducted extensive reports on the trends of diversity within the orchestra field. In summary, there has been very little progress in increasing the representation of BIPOC musicians within orchestras from 2014-2024. Of the orchestra musicians surveyed in 2024, 2.3% were Black, 4.6% were Hispanic, 11.7% were Asian, 2.1% were multiracial, 0.5% were American Indian, 0.2% were Native Hawaiian, and 78.6% were White.

We invite all who are curious to review these reports and resources below to learn about this important topic and support us in this important initiative. All data and sources come from the League of American Orchestras.

Orchestra Field Demographics Summary – a summary reporting musician diversity, conductor diversity, staff diversity, and more within orchestras.

Racial/Ethnic and Gender Diversity in the Orchestra Field 2023 – this report includes diversity data within orchestra roles from 2013-2023.

Racial/Ethnic and Gender Diversity in the Orchestra Field 2016 – this report from 2016 demonstrates early data reporting on diversity within the orchestra field.

Making the Case for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Orchestras – this guide is intended to help all in the orchestra field to become more inclusive and welcoming of all people.

To view more resources from the League, click here.

Additional information on advancing racial equity in classical music can be found with our program partner, Equity Arc.

The Academy Member Benefits

Weekly 45-minute private lessons with professional musicians at no cost to the Academy member
Tuition reimbursement for participation in our CSYO ensembles and other ensemble opportunities
Free tickets to Columbus Symphony Masterworks performances
Performance opportunities with our Columbus Symphony education programs, including the Young Musicians Competition, Young Musicians Showcase, Guest Artist masterclasses, and more
Direct access to Columbus Symphony musicians for instruction and career mentorship
Financial assistance for instruments, instrument maintenance, and summer music study
Engagement with other young musicians and families

Apply Now

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Eligibility Requirements

Rising 5th-9th grader at time of application
Those who Identify as part of a BIPOC community (Black/African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Multiracial, or Pacific Islander) are eNcouraged to apply
Interest in pursuing music at the collegiate/conservatory level
Dedicated and open to challenging themselves as a musician
At least two years of experience on standard orchestral instrument (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, orchestra percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass)
Teacher recommendation

Program Information Sessions

The Columbus Symphony will host free, online information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about The Academy. Meet our team and ask questions to see how this program will set up young musicians for success!

Sessions will be from 6:00PM-6:30PM. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Additional details below:

2024 – 2025 Info Session Dates

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Thursday, February 13, 2025

click here to register

The Academy Auditions

Audition Applications are NOW OPEN! Limited openings available. Review the Commitment Statement and audition requirements below.

Audition Deadline is 11:59PM, Monday, May 5, 2025.

Commitment Statement

The Academy is an intensive musical training program designed to enrich and prepare musicians in grades 5-12 including but not limited to those who identify as part of the Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) community. Applicants must have a desire to pursue music at the highest level and a considerable interest to studying music post-high school. Applicants must be driven and passionate, ready to practice at least 10 hours a week outside of weekly CSYO rehearsals and private lessons. Accepted members are required to attend Columbus Symphony concerts and participate in other musical events, which often occur on weekends.

In tandem, this program will require the commitment of the member’s family and/or caregivers to support their musician on this path. Family attendance of lessons, weekend events and performances, and advisory meetings will be required to enhance the musician’s growth and subsequent success.

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Apply Now

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Audition Requirements

Audition requirements are based on your experience on your primary instrument.

2 & 3-4 years experience

4+ years experience

Percussionists

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Applicants must complete and submit the following in order to be considered:

Online Application
Video Recording(s) Including ALL Corresponding Audition Requirements
Teacher Recommendation
Family Interview (if applicable)

Applicants who have not completed one or more of these items by the deadline are encouraged to audition next year if eligible.

Teacher Recommendation Form

All applicants must submit a teacher recommendation along with their application to be eligible. This teacher can be a school music teacher, music program conductor or teacher, or private music teacher. Students may attach their recommendation to their online application or email it to the Academy Program Manager. Teachers may also submit this form directly using the options below.

Complete Form online

Print Form

It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact their chosen teacher about this requirement. Recommendations received after the deadline may still be considered as long as communication as been made with the Academy Program Manager before the deadline.

Need some extra help preparing your or your student’s audition? Have another question?

You may be eligible for a Trial Lesson with one of our Columbus Symphony musicians! Contact the Academy Program Manager at mhookfin@columbussymphony.com for details or help with your audition.