Ohio’s Columbus Symphony Launches Diversity Initiative

The inaugural tuition-free intensive music training program is geared toward musicians in grades 7-12 who identify as BIPOC

Implemented by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO), its inaugural Academy program (CSOA) aims to increase racial diversity in American orchestras and help BIPOC students attain sustainable performance careers.

Seeking up to seven exceptional and passionate musicians studying in grades 7-12 who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC), the CSOA will involve guidance from CSO musicians, financial support, career mentorship, and performance opportunities.

Additionally, Academy members will receive free weekly 45-minute private lessons, masterclasses, tuition-free enrollment in the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, access to CSO concerts, and more.

Students and their families will participate in the Academy for five years, with five new students added each year until the full enrollment of 25 students.

“The Academy provides a pathway for students to become professional orchestra musicians who are capable of extraordinary artistry but do not have access to the support necessary to win positions in college or university music schools, conservatories, and eventually full-time jobs,” said CSO’s education programs manager, Madison Hookfin.

To apply for the Academy’s 2023/24 season, click here. The deadline is May 31, 2023. 

Founded in 1951, the CSO’s subscription concerts and programs have since reached over 2 million people, including thousands of children, families, and teachers. Its programs involve a variety of genres, classical works, new works by living composers, and popular artists.

In September 2022, the CSO welcomed two new violinists, Maalik Glover and Mwakudua waNgure — the only Black members of the orchestra to date, representing a small minority, according to the Columbus Dispatch. In a study by the League of American Orchestras, only 1.4% of orchestra musicians in the U.S. are Black. 

“We still live in a time where it’s unique for a person of color to have a seat in a notable orchestra,” said Glover. “And there is, of course, a socioeconomic (disparity) between people of color and people who are in classical music. And it's hard to really bridge that gap sometimes.”

While the CSO is working with Columbus City Schools to develop a program for diverse elementary and middle school students, CSO COO Daniel Walshaw explains that more can always be done.

“[CSO music director Rossen Milanov], has made it a priority to have diverse voices on the stage with the guest artists that work with the orchestra, and the music that we pick,” Walshaw said. “When it comes to actual members of the orchestra, that’s a worldwide problem we all have in making sure that there are employment opportunities and a pathway to employment for minority groups that haven’t traditionally been a part of this art form.”