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Equity Arc (formerly the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network) is coalition charged by its diverse membership of local and national organizations to align, promote and develop equitable opportunities for aspiring classical musicians from underrepresented ethnicities. With a vision to create a level playing field for artists from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music, Equity Arc engages a broad coalition of members to both break down barriers to BIPOC musicians achieving success in the field and dismantle the structural inequities, biases, and systemic racism ingrained in many of the policies and practices in our field.
Equity Arc Ensembles
Equity Arc Wind Symphony:
Equity Arc is collaborating with the United States Marine Band "The President's Own" to present a musical intensive for young musicians on May 1-4, 2025 in Washington DC. This tuition-free multi-day program includes intensive rehearsals, mock auditions, and a side-by-side performance led by musicians from the Marine Band.
The Audition:
- Solo Works: The solo should be 3-5 minutes of any work of your choice and may be performed with or without accompaniment.
- Excerpts: A lyrical and technical excerpt of your choice drawn from the USMB Excerpt Packet.
Interested in learning more? Join us on September 5th at 8 pm ET for an info session.
Register Here.
Common Application for Summer Study:
Our Partners
Ascent International Chamber Music Festival
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival
Credo Music
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
Greenwood Music Camp
**Heifetz International Music Institute
Interlochen Arts Camp
Kinhaven Music School
Luzerne Music Center
Madeline Island Chamber Music
**Meadowmount School of Music
National Orchestral Institute + Festival
National Repertory Orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
NYO2
**New England Conservatory Summer Orchestra Institute
New England Music Camp
**Ravinia Steans Music Institute
**Sphinx Performance Academy
Summer@SFCM
VIA Academy
**These programs have specific and/or additional audition requirements which can be found on their respective application landing page.
Based on the requirements of each program, there are two separate audition lists. You may use the same solo repertoire for each list and will be able to share links to additional selections in case any additional minutes are needed. Please note, you will need to provide links to your audition videos as part of your application.
List 1 Programs, Audition, and Deadlines:
Two contrasting solo works of 3-7 minutes – please note one selection should be the exposition from a standard concerto.
Three orchestral excerpts from our shared excerpt list. If you are a percussionist or interested in playing an auxiliary instrument, please be sure to submit any additional excerpts. View our suggested excerpt list.
- Ages 14-20
- String applicants should prepare list 2 repertoire
- Deadline: January 17
- Ages 18-29
- Deadline: February 15
- Ages 18-26 - all applicants to the Mahler Project will be automatically considered for the String Intensive
- Deadline: February 10
- Ages 18-30
- Deadline: February 4
- Ages 18-29
- Deadline: January 24
- Ages 15-20
- Deadline: January 20
- Ages 16-19
- Deadline: December 20
- Ages 14-17
- Deadline: December 20
List 2 Programs, Audition, and Deadlines:
Contrasting solo materials of 6-20 minutes, up to three selections will be accepted. If you are also applying to programs from List 1, please ensure that one of your selections is the exposition of a major concerto.
- Ages 14-30
- Deadline: February 1 (priority)
- Ages 14-20
- Deadline: January 17
- Ages 14-18 by the start of the program
- Deadline: February 15
- Ages 14-30
- Deadline: February 1
- Junior Session: Ages 10-13
- Deadline: January 15
- Senior Session: Ages 14-18
- 13-year-old applicants who have not yet completed 8th grade by the time of Senior Camp are encouraged to apply to Junior Camp.
- Deadline: February 1
- Grades 3-12
- Deadline: January 15
- Junior Session: 4th-8th grade
- Deadline: April 1
- Senior Session: 8th-12th grade
- Deadline: March 1
- Young Artist Seminar: College + Pre-Professional (Ages 18-28)
- Deadline: February 1
- Junior Session: 9-15
- Senior Session: 14-18
- Deadline: March 15
- Chamber Music For Strings: Ages 14-24
- Chamber Music For Winds: Ages 14-24
- Fellowship String Quartet: Ages 18–24
- Deadline: February 10
- Ages 13-18
- Deadline: January 17
- Core:
- Ages 11-18
- Deadline: Rolling
- Prelude:
- Ages 9-13
- Deadline: Rolling
- Chamber Music Intensive
- Ages 14-19
- Deadline: April 1
- Harp Intensive
- Ages 12-19
- Deadline: April 1
- Ages: Grades 9-12
- Deadline: March 1
The Process
- You can apply to each program separately at their application deadlines.
- The answers you provide in your first application will autofill for each additional application that you fill out.
- Individual programs may contact you after you submit your application. Please look for their communication.
- Please note that you must submit an application for each program to which you would like to apply.
Your application fees are covered by Equity Arc! To apply to our programs, you'll need to sign our eligibility statement and agree to our privacy policy and terms of use - send us an email at magee@equityarc.org with any eligibility questions!
Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra:
The core ensemble of Equity Arc, the Pathways Orchestra is composed of young artists who study at pathways programs across the country. Pathways programs offer comprehensive support and mentorship to pre-college musicians from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music. Programs that are members of Equity Arc's National Collective for Musical Pathways nominate their fellows to audition for the Pathways Orchestra. The 2025 Pathways Orchestra will take place in Chicago, IL April 3-6, 2025.
Please note that eligibility for the Pathways Orchestra is limited to BIPOC musicians who study at programs that are members of the National Collective for Musical Pathways. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact us at magee@equityarc.org.
The Audition:
- Solo Works: The solo should be 3-5 minutes of any work of your choice and may be performed with or without accompaniment.
- Orchestral Excerpts: Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of your choice
Interested in learning more? Join us for an info session on September 3rd at 8 pm ET.
Register Here.
Send us an email at magee@equityarc.org with any additional questions!
For technical questions please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.