Admissions

Admissions FAQs

General Questions

Are all of the wind and brass excerpts from first parts?
Unless otherwise noted, all excerpts are from the first parts.

Should I bring an accompanist to my live video audition?
No, live video auditions are not accompanied and NWS does not supply an accompanist.

Are you auditioning for my instrument this year?
Each year we audition for every instrument in the orchestra (with the possible exceptions of timpani and percussion). These auditions also serve to create a substitute list for the season so even if you are not chosen to be an NWS Fellow you still could have the opportunity to play with the orchestra.

How do I know if there is an opening for my instrument in the coming season?
Because NWS Fellows often leave before their three years are over, it is impossible to know what openings there will be in the coming season. Therefore, you should plan to audition each season so that you may be considered if a fellowship position becomes vacant.

Video Information

Starting in October 2022, ALL applicants are required to submit a prescreening video and the repertoire requirements are specified on NWS’ website.

Video Audition Requirements

For Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass and Harp, please select one of the solos and any five of the excerpts listed. For wind and brass instruments, please record the required solo and any 5 of the excerpts listed. For Piano, please record one movement of a Beethoven sonata and a contrasting Romantic piece as listed and both excerpts.

Video recordings must meet the following criteria:

Recordings must contain all audition repertoire in the order listed.
Recordings must be played in one continuous, unedited segment.
Video must be from a single video camera, with the same shot for the entire video.
Your full body must be in the shot for video.
Any indication that there has been editing or that recording equipment was paused/stopped between excerpts will result in the disqualification of the applicant.
All pieces should be played unaccompanied.

Some advice for getting the best video possible:

We strongly recommend you view your recording all the way through before submitting it.
Record in a quiet space with no background noise present. If you're at home, make sure you're away from noisy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
Ensure your microphone is not too close to your instrument when playing.
Note that the sole purpose of the video is to ensure that you are the one playing your audition, and that it is in one continuous segment. If you have to choose between amazing audio and amazing video, choose amazing audio.

The Live/Live Virtual Audition and Interview Information

When will I be notified if I am invited to participate in the live/live virtual audition?

Invitations and other preliminary results will be given by email no later than February 1.

What repertoire should I prepare for my live/live virtual audition?

Please prepare all of the material listed under your instrument on our Audition Repertoire page.

Is NWS able to provide a harp for me to use at my audition?
No, unfortunately, NWS is not able to provide a harp for you to use.

How should I prepare for my interview? What will I be asked?

To get to know you better, musicians who are invited to a live/live virtual audition will also be engaged in an interview with NWS staff and alumni. Because you are being actively considered for a fellowship, we want to get to you better and find out why you are interested in joining the New World Symphony. The interview will be an opportunity for us to better understand your motivations and also for you to ask any questions you might have about our program.

Timpani and Percussion

I am a percussionist or timpanist and would like to audition for New World Symphony. Can I audition anywhere on the National Audition Tour?
All percussion and timpani auditions are held in Miami usually in May. There is not enough time or sometimes enough space to accommodate these instruments in all of the venues of the audition tour. Information will be posted here.

Degree Requirements

I don't have a college degree, but have been performing professionally for a few years. Can I be an NWS Fellow?
In order to be named a Fellow for the New World Symphony you must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; however, anyone may audition to be placed on the substitute list.

I won't be done with my degree program for 2 years. Can I be an NWS Fellow?
You must have completed your current degree program to be an NWS Fellow. However, you may still audition to be put on the substitute list for the season.

I am currently enrolled in a DMA program. Am I eligible for a fellowship at NWS?
If you will have finished your residency requirement by the start of your fellowship then you are eligible.

I am currently enrolled in a certificate, diploma or other program (not a master’s degree). Am I eligible for a fellowship?
It is possible that you may be eligible depending on your specific situation. Sometimes a school and your private teacher will allow you to leave the program and this is determined on a case by case basis. Please let the audition committee know if there has been a change to your status.

I have been out of school for a few years, am I eligible for a fellowship?
Yes, our only requirement for a fellowship is a bachelor’s degree and anyone is eligible for our substitute list.

The Fellowship Program

If NWS offers me a fellowship, am I required to stay for three years?
NWS fellowships are awarded on a season-by-season basis for up to three years; however, no one is required to stay for three years.

Is there an age limit for NWS fellows?
There is no age limit.

Foreign Applicants

I read the requirements page on your website and it says I need one of the following documents: I-20, Green card or employment authorization card. Why do I need these documents for the application?
If you are currently living in the USA, NWS requires proof that your current visa is valid and could be transferred should you be offered a fellowship. If you are not living in the USA, NWS may be able to issue you an F-1 Student Visa should you be offered a fellowship. If you are invited to perform as an extra or substitute musician with the orchestra you will need to acquire either CPT or OPT on your F-1 Visa (from your school) or possess a Green Card or O-1 Visa.

If you do not currently have a visa then please leave this section of the application blank.

Conducting Fellowship

I heard that NWS offers a conducting fellowship. How do I apply?
The New World Symphony offers a three-year conducting fellowship to highly qualified conductors who have finished at least a bachelor’s degree and are not currently enrolled in a degree program. The Conducting Fellow works with staff and many visiting guest conductors and leads the NWS in several of the season’s concerts and reading sessions. Every year, we accept applications for a conducting workshop where a few conductors will be invited to Miami to work with the orchestra and NWS faculty and staff.

Please apply online using our online application page. The deadline is November 30th of each year.

Audio/Video and Library Fellowships

I heard that NWS offers audio/video and library fellowships. How do I apply?
In conjunction with its musician training program, the New World Symphony offers fellowship programs for an audio engineer and an orchestra librarian. These programs offer aspiring engineers and librarians extensive hands-on experience in their chosen professions. Fellows work with NWS staff and noted professionals in these fields to develop their skills, and are invited to participate on a season-by-season basis for up to three years. For detailed information on the application process, please send an email to admissions@nws.edu. Announcements regarding vacancies are posted here.