The Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Norfolk runs this fellowship for up to four early-career orchestral musicians who identify as underrepresented in the field. Fellows play more than 100 services across eastern Virginia and take part in school residencies and educational concerts.
Old Dominion University supplies the academic side: 12 course credits at each fellow’s own degree level, leading to a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance for post-graduate fellows.
Benefits & funding
- US$21,500 stipend for orchestra and education work; from 2026–27 it absorbs the former US$3,500 health stipend.
- Free one-bedroom apartment on the Old Dominion University campus.
- Full scholarship for 12 university-level course credits.
- Lessons, mock auditions and mentoring with VSO musicians.
- No health insurance is provided, and fellows need their own car to reach venues across Hampton Roads.
Eligibility
- Early-career orchestral musicians who self-identify as underrepresented; the orchestra leaves that judgement to the applicant.
- Instruments on the current pages: percussion, violin, viola, cello and bass; the list is set for each cycle.
- Graduate study or a graduate degree is preferred; exceptional players with a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States; no nationality is barred, and the pages mention no visa sponsorship.
- No age, gender or experience limit is published.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
USA
Education required
Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master
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Application process
- 1Watch for the 2027–28 audition details and deadline, due to be finalised in November 2026.
- 2Prepare a one-page resume with three references and a 500-word personal statement on what the fellowship would mean to you as an underrepresented musician.
- 3Record the required excerpts and solos, each in one continuous unedited take, as unlisted or public YouTube links.
- 4Submit through the orchestra’s online fellowship form; selected fellows then send school transcripts.
Program timeline
November 2026
2027–28 audition details and deadline finalised.
Season begins.
Late August 2027
May 2028
Season ends; fellows may apply for a second season.