Virginia Symphony Orchestra Fellowship Program — Fellowship

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra runs this fellowship for early-career orchestral musicians who identify as underrepresented in the field. Up to four fellows join the orchestra each season and play more than 100 services across eastern Virginia.

The orchestra is based in Norfolk and partners with Old Dominion University, which supplies the academic side of the fellowship. Fellows earn 12 university-level course credits at their own degree level, and those already holding a master’s degree finish with a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance.

Education work runs through the whole season. Fellows lead public school residencies, play educational programmes for elementary pupils, and mentor middle school, high school and college musicians in the region.

Benefits & funding

Stipend of US$21,500 for the orchestra services and education work performed across the season.
Free housing: a one-bedroom apartment at Old Dominion University.
Full scholarship covering 12 university-level course credits at Old Dominion University, conferred at the fellow’s own level — undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate.
Post-graduate fellows complete a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance at Old Dominion University.
Private lessons, mock auditions and mentorship with Virginia Symphony Orchestra musicians.
Playing time across classics, regional and pops concerts, family and youth shows, outdoor community events and chamber music.

Eligibility

Early-career orchestral musicians who self-identify as underrepresented in the orchestral field.
Instruments called in the most recent cycle: flute, trumpet, violin, viola, cello and bass. The list is set fresh each cycle — the 2025/26 class included a clarinettist.
Graduate study or a graduate degree is preferred; exceptional players holding a bachelor’s degree are invited to apply.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. No nationality is named as a bar.
No age limit, gender requirement or minimum years of experience is published.

Can you apply?

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Education required
Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master

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Application process

1
Wait for the cycle to open — the orchestra publishes audition details and deadlines in November for the following season.
2
Prepare a one-page resume carrying name, instrument, phone, address, email and three references.
3
Write the 500-word personal statement answering the single set question: as someone who is underrepresented, what would participation in this fellowship mean to you?
4
Record the required excerpts and solos for your instrument, each in one continuous unedited take, and upload them to YouTube as unlisted or public links.
5
Submit every item through the orchestra’s online fellowship application form.
6
Selected fellows work with the orchestra from late August through May, with the option to renew for a further season.

Program timeline

Now
Applications for the 2027/28 season are not open; the orchestra asks applicants to check back in November.
Audition details and deadlines are published for the following season.
November
The fellowship season begins.
Late August
May
The season ends; fellows may extend for a further season.