OAcademy 2026 Fellowships: Orchestra, Conducting and Composing

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OAcademy redefines music education for the demands of the real world. We bring together top-rising musicians, the world’s best mentors, and leading global institutions to nurture the talent of tomorrow. Our programs provide a toolkit that empowers artists with the job skills, cross-cultural connections, and support networks needed to make a lasting mark on the future.

About OAcademy's Orchestra Institute

OAcademy invites applications for the 2026 cohort of its Artist Diploma in orchestral performance designed for early-career musicians ready to take the next step toward a sustainable life in music. Open to players of all orchestra instruments, the program is accessible globally and tailored to fit the real schedules and challenges of today’s musicians.

Co-curated with world-class ensembles like the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the MET Opera, and guided by mentors including Yo-Yo Ma, Marin Alsop, and members of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, OAcademy blends advanced performance training with essential career development. Fellows work closely with top artists and coaches while gaining skills in media, networking, leadership, and professional mindset—all from their own home studios.

Running from January to June, the hybrid format combines live online sessions, individual mentorship, collaborative projects, and flexible independent study. Whether you're finishing conservatory or entering the field, OAcademy offers a rigorous, supportive, and globally connected path to becoming an artist prepared for the demands—and possibilities—of today’s music world.

Explore: oacademy.live/orchestra

About the Carlos Miguel Prieto Conducting Fellowship

Informed by two decades on the world’s most significant stages, from Carnegie Hall to Elbphilharmonie, the Carlos Miguel Prieto Conducting Fellowship provides rising conductors with the formative tools to access world-class career opportunities. Fellows study physical communication (gesture), analyze core orchestra repertoire, and connect with world-class conductors, agents, managers, administrators, instrumentalists, and composers for enhanced professional guidance.

The 6-month learning experience combines online interactive sessions with elective in-person opportunities around the globe. The fellowship introduces participants to all aspects of the conducting profession, guided by one of today’s most sought-after and respected international conductors, Carlos Miguel Prieto.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Online masterclasses on interpretation with Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto and Principal Guest Conductor Alexander Shelley
Studio classes in conducting technique with Fellowship Director Scott Wilson
Online masterclasses, repertoire sessions, and Q+A sessions with a large number of international calibre guest conductors
Personal exposure to world-class conductors through dedicated networking events
Lecture-discussions with leading agency representatives and Artistic Planning Directors

Explore: oacademy.live/conducting

About the Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio

Envision being a part of a creative community made of today’s foremost composers and industry-leading artists. The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio is a six-month lab, open to 12 innovative early-career composers. Fellows receive mentorship from a diverse roster, including Du Yun, Andrew Norman, Missy Mazzoli, Marcos Balter, Tyshawn Sorey, Vanessa Rose, Ted Hearne, Tonia Ko and many others. Lead composer Gabriela Ortiz mentors fellows directly during a residency in Maryland, workshopping compositions with professional performers.

The Studio meets bi-weekly for 90-minute sessions and runs from January through June. Fellows graduate with a high-quality recording of a new work for professional musicians, a portfolio of self-marketing materials, an international network of composers and change-making artists, and the resources to take the next step in their composition journey.

Explore: oacademy.live/composing

Apply by July 15th to benefit from the Early Bird bursaries!

www.oacademy.live/apply