I played my instrument in high school and college, but stopped to have a family and a career. A few years ago, I decided to pick my instrument back up and am now playing in a community orchestra. Should I apply for the Academy?

Currently, the BSO Academy is tailored towards adult amateur musicians. While acceptance is based on the application review process, all who have moderate faculty of their instruments and a willingness to learn in an exciting environment are encouraged to apply.

I am an adult learner who only started playing my instrument four years ago. I take weekly lessons and am progressing well, but I have never played with an orchestra before. Is the Academy right for me?

A number of the participants in the inaugural 2010 session had never performed with an orchestra or in a chamber music group before. This did not appear to hinder their educational growth or level of enjoyment in the slightest bit.

I am a recent college graduate with a music performance degree. I am seeking to broaden my playing experience with a professional orchestra and hope to begin taking auditions soon. Am I eligible to participate in the Academy?

At this time, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is not accepting applications from "pre-professionals" or musicians who are looking to advance their careers in the orchestral field on a professional level.

What is the ratio of BSO musicians to participants in the Academy orchestra?

We try to maintain a ratio of 60% participants to 40% BSO musicians in the Academy orchestra.

Are there any limits to the number of applicants you will accept?

Yes, the number of each instrument accepted will correspond with the normal ratios in an orchestra. This generally means that we will accept more string players than woodwind or percussion players.

I play the oboe, and there are never very many of us in a section. If there is a limit on how many instruments you accept in each section, should I bother applying?

YES! You never know how many other oboes will also apply and we want to make sure your section is represented!

Are there any instruments that have a higher chance of getting in than others?

No, all applications go through the same review process.

Will the BSO provide transposed parts for me to play?

No, the BSO Academy will not provide transposed parts for the Academy repertoire.

Will BSO musicians be playing with participants in all rehearsals?

Yes, BSO musicians and Marin Alsop will participate in all full orchestra rehearsals.

Will we have any additional time with Marin Alsop outside of rehearsals?

Yes, BSO Academy participants will have a luncheon with Marin and a Q&A session with her during the week.

Will there be enough time in the Academy schedule for me to practice each day and to take lessons with BSO musicians?

Yes, we have structured the Academy week to accommodate plenty of practice time, lessons and chamber music.