Fellowship Information

The CSO/CCM Diversity Fellowship Program

Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and in partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the groundbreaking CSO/CCM Diversity Fellowship Program is open to exceptional violin, viola, cello and double bass players coming from populations that are historically underrepresented in classical music. The program’s tagline—“Bravos Without Barriers”—gets to the heart of its mission: eliminating obstacles that can prevent extraordinary musicians from achieving their full potential.

Program Information

The Fellowship provides an opportunity for graduate level musicians from underrepresented populations to participate in a specialized two-year program with the aim of filling the pre-professional gap by moving the needle of diversity in American symphony orchestras on a national scale. This educational opportunity also consists of frequent performances with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, focused mentorship by professional musicians, mock auditions and audition travel stipends. Fellows perform the equivalent of five weeks per season with the CSO while enrolled in a two-year Master of Music (MM) or Artist Diploma (AD) graduate degree program at CCM.

Each Fellow receives full tuition scholarship support from CCM, in addition to a $10,000 per year graduate stipend and a one-time Graduate School Dean’s Excellence Award of $3,000. Each Fellow also receives compensation of $8,000 per season while performing with the CSO.

Program eligibility includes string players coming from populations that are historically underrepresented in classical music, first-generation college students, those who have followed non-traditional pathways to college and have demonstrated a commitment to including and applying diverse backgrounds and perspectives to learning, scholarship, service and civic leadership. Finalists who are accepted to CCM are invited to a final audition with CSO musicians.

Study at CCM as a full-time Master of Music (MM) or Artist Diploma (AD) student.

Perform with the CSO the equivalent of five weeks per season.

Receive intensive guidance from CSO musician mentors in preparation and performance as well as overall mentorship.

6-8 career development seminars including 4 mock auditions each year of the Fellowship.

In addition to an unparalleled training experience, each Fellow receives significant financial support:

Full scholarship tuition and fees for CCM coverage totaling $27,500 per year.
$10,000 per year as a Fellowship stipend/graduate assistantship.
One-time Graduate Dean’s Excellence Award of $3,000.
$8,000 annual compensation for services with the CSO.

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