BSO Academy Programs

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Overview

2026 Academy At a glance

2026 Program Dates	Friday, June 19th – Saturday, June 27th
Age Range	All participants must be 18 years old by the first day of the BSO Academy Week. The average age of BSO Academy Week participants is about 64
Eligibility	Participants should have a basic knowledge of reading music, and some experience at their instrument
Who can apply?	Any orchestral instrumentalist, including: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp, Percussion, Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, & Tuba
When do Applications open?	Applications open in mid December. If you are a new to us please email education@bsomusic.org so we can notify you when applications are being accepted.
When will Acceptances be sent?	The priority deadline for applications is January 13th. Acceptances will be sent shortly after. Applications received after this deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until all instrument sections are full.

Overview

The BSO Academy brings together passionate adult instrumental musicians from all over the United States and the world, for an immersive musical experience with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. BSO Academy participants play side-by-side with the BSO muscians in rehearsals and performances for full orchestra, large and small chamber ensembles, instrumental workshops, and a solo recital with piano. BSO musicians lead sectionals, Masterclasses, and special topic classes. BSO Faculty perform a chamber concert and join participants for a celebratory Welcome Dinner. Guest presenters share insights on the music being perform and special topics of interest. BSO Academy participants enjoy lunches with the BSO musicians. Create your own experience by applying for one or more activities during the 9 day BSO Academy.

"I was overwhelmed to be in the middle of a professional orchestral sound again. It brought back wonderful memories and emotions from decades ago. In the intervening years, no other orchestral experience has provided the sonic feedback I got from the BSO. This was a very good experience."

David Myford, Violin, 1st time BSO Academy Participant

Nicholas Hersh - BSO Academy Principal Conductor

Nicholas Hersh is Music Director of the Modesto Symphony, having been appointed in August 2023. Across the country, Nicholas has earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike, and he was the unanimous choice of the search committee in Modesto. In addition to his work in Modesto, Nicholas was named Principal Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy, the BSO’s celebrated program for adult amateur musicians.

Hersh’s 2025-26 season includes his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic and returns to the Houston and Colorado Symphonies, plus engagements with the Florida Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic, and Tucson Symphony.

His 2024-25 season included engagements with the Nashville, Madison, Omaha, and Tucson Symphony Orchestras; and the Florida and Apollo Orchestras. He continues to enjoy a regular relationship with the Budapest Festival Orchestra.

Recent engagements include the Detroit, Grand Rapids, National, New World, North Carolina, Phoenix, Portland (ME), Richmond, Utah, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras; Louisiana and Rochester Philharmonics; and the Sarasota Orchestra.

Over a remarkable tenure as Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Hersh created the BSO Pulse series, through which he brought together indie bands and orchestral musicians in unique collaborations; he led the BSO in several subscription weeks, and concerts in and around Baltimore; and he directed the BSO’s educational and family programming. Hersh also maintains a close relationship with the National Symphony Orchestra, leading concerts throughout Washington, D.C. He stepped in to replace an indisposed Yan Pascal Tortelier, on subscription, to great acclaim.

Hersh is frequently in demand as an arranger and orchestrator, with commissions from orchestras around the globe for adaptations of everything from classical solo and chamber music to popular songs. His orchestration of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata Op. 69 was premiered by the Philharmonie Zuidnederland in January 2022, while his symphonic arrangement of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody continues to see worldwide success as a viral YouTube hit. He also serves as arranger and editor for the James P. Johnson Orchestra Edition.

Hersh grew up in Evanston, Illinois and started his musical training as a cellist. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Stanford University and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Hersh is also a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award. Nicholas lives in Philadelphia with his wife, son, and two cats, and in his free time enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends.

2026 Symphonic Program

Apply for Group 1 or Group 2 of the Symphonic Program! Optionally, apply and participate in both (Space permitting and for an extra fee).

Please note that due to instrumentation and space restrictions, placement in the applicant’s preferred group is not guaranteed. Applications received before January 13th, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Group 1

Repertoire:
Prokofiev - Love of Three Oranges
March and Scherzo

Prokofiev - Selections from Romeo and Juliet

Group 2

Repertoire:
Gershwin - Cuban Overture
Mussorgsky- Pictures at an Exhibition

BSO Academy participants will perform and rehearse side-by-side with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, culminating in a final concert on Saturday, June 27th, 2026! Participants will be seated next to a BSO Musician.

Each Symphonic Group receives

Large size, printed music for your assigned parts
Preparatory Virtual Overview of the music with Maestro Hersh prior to the Academy
Preparatory demos and discussions for your instrument with BSO musicians, prior to the Academy
Faculty Chamber Concert & Welcome Dinner
Workshops
Masterclasses & Special Topic Classes led by BSO Musicians
Special Presentations about topics of interest, led by leading experts
Lunches with BSO Musicians
Sectionals for your instrument led by a BSO Musician
Four rehearsals, side-by-side with the BSO and a performance, on-stage, at the Meyerhof Symphony Hall

2026 Add-Ons

Additional Activities to Enhance your Academy Experience!

All placements are subject to enrollment and capacity.

Second Orchestral Group Placement

This option allows participants to have the option to play in both Symphonic groups.

Chamber Music Placement

Participants can participate in a chamber ensemble and/or chamber orchestra.

Solo with Piano Recital Participation

Perform in a solo recital with your fellow BSO Academy participants. This is a fabulous opportunity to collaborate with our BSO pianist-in-residence, Lura Johnson. Includes a short rehearsal.

Private Lesson with a BSO Member

Private lessons with BSO Musicians are a popular add-on experience for BSO Academy! Prior to the beginning of the week, a list of faculty and sign-up form is distributed to participants along with a payment portal.

Auditor

Auditors may observe Academy programming, except for private lessons. Auditors may opt to sign up to take a private lesson with a BSO Member.

CPD Credit for Educators

For Music Educators: the Maryland State Department of Education offers CPD Credit to all teachers! To find out more, email education@bsomusic.org

Click here to view the Completion for Credit Form from the Maryland Department of Education
To make this program accessible, we offer a special HEAVILY discounted rate to teachers participating in the Academy for CPD credit!

2026 Academy Dates

Friday, June 19: Chamber Program Begins
Saturday, June 20: Solo with Piano Recital
Sunday, June 21: Symphonic Program begins and BSO Academy Faculty Concert & Welcome Dinner
Tuesday, June 23: Chamber Music Groups (small ensembles) Concert
Friday, June 26: Chamber Orchestra and Ensemble Workshops Concert
Saturday, June 27: Final Symphonic Concert and Reception

2026 Tuition & Fees

Application fee – $130
***nonrefundable fee, in order for your application to be considered you must pay this fee upon application submission***

Symphonic Program Tuition – $1850
- A deposit of $500 is due by February 2nd in order to confirm your participation in the 2025 BSO Academy
- The remaining $1350 is due March 17th

Educator Tuition – $1100
- A deposit of $500 is due by February 2nd in order to confirm your participation in the 2025 BSO Academy
- The remaining $600 is due March 17th

Add-On Additional Fees

These are fees added to your balance if you would like to add to your BSO Academy experience by participating in more than one orchestral group or more than one chamber group, or more!

Second Orchestral Group Placement – $750
Add a Chamber Group to Symphonic Program – $700
Add Chamber Orchestra to Symphonic Program -- $700
Private Lesson Fee – $150
Solo with Piano Recital Participation – $130

Timeline

Mid December: Application form opens
January 13: Priority Enrollment ends
Mid to late January: Notiﬁcation of Acceptances *If there are remaining vacancies in sections, applications will continue to be accepted until sections are full*
February 2: $500 Deposit due
March 17: Total Tuition Balance due
April 14: Remaining additional fees for Add-Ons due
June 19-27: 2026 BSO Academy Week

Refund Policy

The BSO Academy Week tuition and associated fees are non-refundable except in the case of a medical emergency or other extreme circumstance as determined by the BSO Education Department. No reduction in fees can be made for late arrival or early departure, so please plan travel accordingly.

Financial Assistance

A limited amount of funding is available for participants who demonstrate ﬁnancial need due to extreme circumstances or other ﬁnancial hardship and for instrumental needs for the program.

Requirements

The BSO Academy does not require an audition to be accepted! A basic knowledge of reading music is required, and participants should be able to comfortably play or follow along with the level of selected repertoire and be able to contribute to conversations about techniques necessary to perform the repertoire. For chamber music placement, a short video may be requested.

We encourage all to apply! Many participants are not able to play every single note in a difficult passage – you don’t have to! The BSO Academy places you side-by-side with a pro, who will cover the parts beyond your ability. The BSO faculty will guide you with suggestions on how to simplify and practice difficult passages.

Reach out to education@bsomusic.org if you are not sure if this program is right for your level.

FAQ

We traditionally partner with several local area hotels: Hotel Indigo, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Revival, The Royal Sonesta and Ulysses. Rates and parking details for the upcoming Academy Week will be distributed to participants well in advance via email.

Please note that due to limited demand in past years, we do not offer shuttle service from hotels to the Meyerhoff. Those with mobility issues should plan accordingly and be in touch with the Education Department so we can help with any potential accessibility needs.

While your day may look slightly different depending on what program you choose, here’s what a sample day at the BSO Academy might look like!

9:00 AM-10:00 AM	Individual Practice time
10:00 AM-11:30 AM	Sectionals with BSO Musicians
11:30 AM-1:30 PM	Lunch and Learn! Grab lunch with your fellow participants and learn about topics such as Music History, Wellness at your instrument, etc
1:45 PM-3:15 PM	Classes with BSO Musicians. Topics such as: Dynamic Section Playing for Strings, English Horn workshops, Brass Boot Camp, The Miraculous Metronome and many more!
3:30 PM-5:00 PM	Chamber Music Rehearsals or Workshops
5:30 PM-7:00 PM	Faculty Chamber Music Concert + BSO Academy Welcome Dinner for Participants and BSO Musicians

Not sure if the BSO Academy is right for you?

Reach out the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Education and Community Engagement department by emailing education@bsomusic.org! We are very happy to help and answer any questions you may have about the suitability of the program for you!