The Minnesota Orchestra Fellowship is a two-year professional development appointment based in Minneapolis. Fellows sit in on rehearsals, play in the orchestra as assigned, and study with Minnesota Orchestra musicians.
The orchestra started the program in 2017 to open a route into orchestral careers for musicians who are underrepresented in the field. It reads applications for lived experience: economic adversity overcome, being first in the family at college or conservatory, and a record of community service.
The 2026 intake auditioned violin, viola, cello, bass, horn, trombone, bass trombone and tuba, and those fellows began work in September 2026. Applications for that cycle are closed, and the next intake will be posted on the orchestra’s auditions page.
Benefits & funding
- Annual salary guarantee of US$43,888, with benefits including health and dental.
- The salary covers playing up to 54 orchestra services per season; services beyond 54 are paid at the regular substitute rate.
- US$5,800 stipend for professional development and travel to auditions elsewhere.
- Regular mentorship and lessons with Minnesota Orchestra musicians, plus mock auditions, both informal and formal.
- Attendance at orchestra rehearsals, on stage and in the house, with performance opportunities as determined by the principal.
- Education and community engagement work, including school and community partner visits.
- Domestic travel (or equivalent) and lodging arranged for invited finalists.
Eligibility
- Emerging professional orchestral musicians early in their careers.
- The 2026 cycle auditioned violin, viola, cello, bass, horn, trombone, bass trombone and tuba; the instrument list is set per cycle.
- Candidates must be able to work indefinitely in the United States without sponsorship. Any nationality holding that work authorization qualifies.
- The program recognizes lived experiences such as overcoming economic adversity, being the first in the family to attend college or conservatory, and demonstrated community engagement or community service.
- No age limit, gender requirement, degree requirement or minimum years of experience is published.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Watch the orchestra’s auditions page for the next fellowship posting and the instruments it covers.
- 2Download the fellowship description and the pre-screening repertoire list for the relevant instrument.
- 3Record the required excerpts as separate audio-only tracks, in the order listed, with no editing inside an excerpt.
- 4Submit the completed application form, a one-page resume and the pre-screening recording by the deadline (16 March in the 2026 cycle).
- 5Wait for notification, sent on or before 30 March in the 2026 cycle; invited finalists play a live audition and interview at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
- 6Selected fellows begin employment in September.
Program timeline
Application and pre-screening recording due for the 2026 intake.
Mar 16, 2026
Applicants notified on or before this date.
Mar 30, 2026
Live auditions and interviews at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis.
May 4, 2026
Two-year fellowship employment begins.
2026-09
The current cohort’s term ends; the next intake is announced on the orchestra’s auditions page.
2028