VSO Fellowship Program
Professional Development for Early-Career, Underrepresented Musicians
About the Fellowship Program
In Collaboration with Old Dominion University
Open to FLUTE, Trumpet, Violin, Viola, Cello, & Bass
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians is intended to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Fellows will perform as part of the VSO in over 100 services throughout eastern Virginia and engage in public school residencies and educational performances. Professional development opportunities, including private lessons and mentorship, will better equip Fellows to achieve in their careers as performers and educators. Through these activities, Fellows will receive 12 university-level course credits from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, according to each Fellow’s degree level: undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate course credit. For those Fellows at a post-graduate level, these 12 credits culminate in a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance.
“…the Fellows seamlessly became a part of our community. They have been inspirational for our students as they watch the Fellows move professionally from rehearsals and classes on campus to performances with the VSO to teaching and performing at schools throughout the Hampton Roads community.”
“The Fellows program at the VSO is something I am so excited about and continue to be inspired by. It is truly an honor to get to welcome Fellows into our VSO family each year and share experiences with them, both on and off the stage. Our first year was such a success and a great learning opportunity, and we’re really looking forward to continuing the momentum as we embrace our new class of Fellows!”
We are excited about the many ways this program will impact our field and our community.
- The classical music industry benefits from investment in the pipeline for more aspiring talented musicians to receive the training they need to become successful professionals.
- Local public school music students and their teachers benefit from building individual relationships with these accomplished musician role models and coaches.
- The Fellows benefit from the experience of playing with a full-time professional symphony and the opportunity to receive regular coaching from VSO players.