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The Academy

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

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 identify as part of the Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) community and have a desire 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.

Academy interest form

Our Mission

Building sustaining performance careers for young musicians in underrepresented communities through transformative musical experiences.

The Academy aims to remove barriers, both musical and non-musical, that keep young musicians of color 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.

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

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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 between thirty minutes and one hour. 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

See below for audition requirements, based on experience.

2 & 3-4 years experience

4+ years experience

Percussionists

The Academy is an intensive musical training program designed to enrich and prepare musicians in grades 5-12 who identify as part of the Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) community and have a desire to pursue music at the highest level. Applicants must be driven and passionate, including practicing at least 10 hours a week outside of weekly CSYO rehearsals and private lessons. Members are required to attend Columbus Symphony concerts and participate in other musical events.

In tandem, this program will require the commitment of the applicant’s family and/or caregivers to support their musician on this path. Attendance of lessons and family advisory meetings will be required to enhance musician growth.

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