NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program — Course / Training

The NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program is run by the orchestra of Canada’s National Arts Centre (NACO) in Ottawa and has run since 2022.

Instrumentalists play side by side with NACO musicians through sectionals, tutti rehearsals and two main-series concert programs, each with two public performances. Conductors, music librarians and orchestra personnel managers also take part; the program adds one-on-one mentorship, mock auditions and panel discussions.

Benefits & funding

No tuition.
An honorarium (amount not published), free accommodation and a meal allowance.
A travel subsidy covering a percentage of each participant’s total travel costs; the rest is the participant’s own.
Mock auditions with feedback from a panel of NACO musicians.
2026 edition: 8–25 June in Ottawa.

Eligibility

Aged 18 or older; international candidates are welcome, with no nationality or residence rule.
Instrumentalists and conductors: completing a performance degree and on the audition circuit, or early in an orchestral career.
Conductors: classically trained, with broad knowledge of orchestral repertoire.
Librarians and orchestra personnel managers: from anywhere in the world, with some experience in or understanding of the role.
Not every instrument is offered each year (no bass trombone or tuba in 2026).

Can you apply?

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Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs

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Application process

1
Instrumentalists record new videos of all required repertoire for their instrument; conductors choose a live rehearsal or performance video from the past 12 months. Upload to YouTube.
2
Prepare a CV, a diploma or transcript, and two character references; conductors add a repertoire list and a philosophy statement.
3
Submit the online form with the application fee: $50 until 15 November, $70 after (2026 cycle).
4
2026 deadline: 26 January 2026, 11:59 pm EST.

Program timeline

early-bird fee ends
15 November 2025
application deadline (closed)
26 January 2026
program in Ottawa
8–25 June 2026
not yet announced
2027 round