Carnegie Hall

Key Dates

• December 2, 2024: Deadline to submit online application, including audition materials for pre-screening*
• Early February 2025: Notifications sent out to inform applicants whether they have advanced to the live audition.
• March 9–15, 2025: Live auditions in New York City.
  • March 9: Brass
  • March 10: Piano
  • March 11: Percussion
  • March 12 and 13: Woodwinds
  • March 14 and 15: Strings
• April–May 2025: Selected participants notified.
• September 2025: Fellowship begins.

*The pre-screening listening portion of the audition process will be blind. Panelists will have access to the submitted recordings but not to names or other information about applicants.

Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Ensemble Connect welcomes applicants from groups that are underrepresented in the field of classical music.

Carnegie Hall and Ensemble Connect are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities. Ensemble Connect welcomes applicants with disabilities who are qualified, with or without reasonable accommodations. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs reasonable accommodations to complete this application, or if you have questions regarding reasonable accommodations, please contact info@ensembleconnect.org.

Application Fee

There is a $75 application fee, payable online via major credit card at the time you fully complete and submit your application to Acceptd. Please contact info@ensembleconnect.org if you need to request an application fee waiver.

Travel Assistance

Limited travel assistance funds are available for the live audition for those who qualify. More information will be provided once live audition notifications are sent in early February 2025.

Instrumentation

Applications will be accepted for the following instruments only:

• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Percussion
• Piano
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

Eligibility

Applicants must have earned at least an undergraduate degree or its equivalent by September 1, 2025. A graduate degree is preferred. Fellows may not be enrolled in a degree program with active coursework while participating in Ensemble Connect and will be required to comply with Carnegie Hall’s employment and other policies and applicable law. International applicants must have attended and/or taught at an American educational institution, fellowship program, summer festival, or its equivalent and be fluent in English, both written and spoken. If you are an international applicant, please be sure to read the Visa Information for International Applicants for information about additional requirements and process for participation.

If an applicant is invited to the live audition, applicant agrees to comply with all health and safety protocols provided or made available by Carnegie Hall.

Deadline

All application materials must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on December 2, 2024. Materials received after the application deadline will not be considered. Pre-screening results will be communicated via email on or around February 3, 2025. Applicants who pass the pre-screening will be notified about live audition procedures at that time. Auditions will take place in New York City March 9–16, 2025. Please note that we cannot accommodate requests to change live audition dates or times.

Application Requirements

Applicants will submit the following materials via the online form at Acceptd.

1. Résumé: The résumé must include the applicant’s level of education and training, as well as performance and teaching experience. Please also include the names and contact information of two references whom you give us permission to contact. References on the résumé may be the same or different as the recommenders who will be required for those who advance to the live auditions.
2. Short-Answer Questions: This will be an opportunity for applicants to provide additional information about themselves beyond their résumé such as artistic goals or mission, as well as other interests and experiences. Please answer:
   • Why are you interested in Ensemble Connect? Please include how you think Ensemble Connect will be critical to your artistic and musical growth.
   • Please describe a memorable moment of audience connection that you’ve experienced—either as a performer, educator, student, or audience member. What about that moment was special? How did it influence your perspective?
3. Audition Material: All applicants must upload live, unedited pre-screening audio recording selections that represent their most advanced technical and musical capabilities. (See Audition Material Requirements for Pre-Screening for specific requirements.) The pre-screening listening portion of the audition process will be blind. Piano accompaniment is suggested (when applicable) and pre-screening recordings should preferably have been made within the last two years.
4. Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation will be required for applicants who advance to Ensemble Connect’s live auditions.