National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network (NIMAN)
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The National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network (NIMAN) is an organization supported by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. With a mission to create a level playing field for artists from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music, NIMAN 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.
Common Application for Summer Study
We are thrilled to partner with some of the finest summer programs to offer the Common Application for the 2023 season! Our partners have collaborated with us to create a first-of-its-kind initiative through which NIMAN students can apply to any partner programs for which they are eligible through one application and audition.
Our Partners
Ascent International Chamber Music Festival
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
Interlochen Arts Camp
Kinhaven Music School
Luzerne Music Center
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
Sewanee Summer Music Festival and String Academy
VIA Academy
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 upload an additional selection in case any additional minutes are needed.
List 1 Programs, Audition, and Deadlines:
Boston University Tanglewood Institute - January 30th, 2023
Brevard Music Center College Division - February 15, 2023
National Orchestral Institute + Festival - February 15, 2023
National Repertory Orchestra - February 10, 2023
National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute - January 17, 2023
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America - December 31, 2022
NEC Summer Orchestra Institute, March 1, 2023
NYO2 - December 31, 2022
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 suggested excerpt list
List 2 Programs, Audition, and Deadlines:
Ascent International Chamber Music Festival - February 15, 2023
Brevard Music Center High School Division - February 15, 2023
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival - February 1, 2023
Kinhaven Music School - March 1, 2023
Luzerne Music Center - March 15, 2023
Interlochen Arts Camp - January 15, 2023
Sewanee String Academy, February 17, 2023
Sewanee Summer Music Festival - February 17, 2023
VIA Academy - March 31, 2023
Contrasting solo materials of 6-10 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.
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.
National Pathways Festival Orchestra:
The National Pathways Festival Orchestra is an ensemble 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 NIMAN's National Pathways Network nominate their fellows to audition for the Festival Orchestra. This year's Festival will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 16th-19th, 2023. Fellows will prepare a program featuring Brian Raphael Nabors’ Pulse for Orchestra and Dvořák’s 9th Symphony under the direction of Maestro Kevin John Edusei, working alongside musicians from the CSO, including CSO/CCM Diversity Fellows.
To be considered for the Festival, submit your application and audition via Acceptd. Please contact us for questions about audition materials.
Please note that you must study at a pathways program that is part of the National Pathways Network and have been nominated by your program director to be eligible to apply.
Questions? Send us an email at magee@niman.org
Your application fees are covered by NIMAN! To apply to our programs, you'll need to sign our eligibility statement - send us an email at magee@niman.org with any eligibility questions!
For technical questions please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.