The Academy

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

who we are

The mission of the Academy Program is to provide young orchestral musicians from diverse backgrounds with rigorous training, mentorship, and exposure to high-level performance, equipping them to succeed in collegiate music programs and beyond.

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 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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Eligibility Requirements

Rising 5th-10th 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)

The Academy: Admission

Now Accepting Applications for 2026-2027!

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 in 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.

Due to the intensive nature of the program, The Academy also demands the commitment of the member’s family and/or caregivers to support their musician on this path. Family attendance at weekly lessons, weekend events and performances, and advisory meetings will be required to support the musician’s growth and subsequent success.

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Audition Requirements

1. The Academy Application

Online form to apply for the Academy Program

Academy Application

solicitud de admisión

2. Teacher Recommendation

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. Teachers should complete the form online using the link below. For a hard copy of the recommendation form, contact amarini@columbussymphony.com.

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.

Teacher Rec Form

3. Video Audition

At least one major scale of your choice, and two contrasting solo selections of your choice. See detailed Audition Guide below.

Videos do not need to be professionally recorded – mobile device recordings are fine. Video files can be uploaded as part of the Academy Application Form. Contact academy@columbussymphony.com with questions or for technical support.

*Note: If you are also auditioning for the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, you are welcome to use that audition video to fulfill these requirements.

Download The Academy Audition Guide:

English

Español

Application Timeline – Rolling Admission

Applications under review

Once all of your application materials are received (Academy Application Form, Teacher Recommendation Form, and Uploaded Video Audition), we will begin the review process. This could take several weeks, depending on the time of year and the availability of instrument-specific reviewers. Following the initial review, we will contact you with one of two results:

Waitlist

What this means:

Either there are no available openings in the Academy, or we do not feel that you are a good fit for the program at this time. Your application will remain on file for the rest of the season, and we will be in touch if circumstances change. You are encouraged to apply again next year.

Advance to In-Person Round

What this means:

What this means: We will schedule an in-person meeting at the CSO office downtown. During this time, the parent(s) will meet with CSO staff while the student takes a trial lesson with one of the Academy Teaching Artists.

Placement Decision

You will be notified of your final placement decision following this round (usually within 2 weeks). This will either be your official acceptance to The Academy, or notification that you are being placed on the waitlist.