The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), is a world-renowned orchestral academy and premier arts organization located in the heart of Miami Beach. Through fellowships lasting up to three years, NWS prepares emerging orchestra musicians to become artistic leaders in performing, educational and community-based organizations worldwide. Led by Artistic Director Stéphane Denève, NWS Fellows refine their musical voices while developing entrepreneurial, collaborative and civic skills. Since its founding in 1987 by Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison, NWS has helped launch the careers of over 1,350 alumni. NWS is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Invitations to join the NWS fellowship program are extended on a season-by-season basis for up to three seasons, at the sole discretion of NWS and with the understanding that a Fellow’s participation in the program is subject to ongoing review by designated members of the Musician Advancement department. Advance preparation of individual parts is critical to the efficiency of the rehearsal process and to the overall morale of the orchestra. Good preparation will ensure that the highest artistic level can be reached in public performances.
The New World Symphony provides a comprehensive array of Community Engagement programs, which include group instruction to students in Miami-Dade public schools, interactive chamber music presentations to audiences of all ages, online mentorship and coaching, and participation in numerous collaborative student ensembles. NWS Fellows gain essential hands-on teaching and leadership skills, complementing their world-class musical training and performance experience.
The BLUE Program (Build, Learn, Understand, Experiment) is New World Symphony's signature leadership and entrepreneurship initiative, providing Fellows and alumni with the mentorship, resources and hands-on experience to tap into their creativity and transform ambitious ideas into reality. Through performances, community collaborations, creative ventures, artistic research and innovative tools, the BLUE Projects expand what it means to be a 21st-century musician. By investing in musician-led innovation, New World Symphony is helping shape the next generation of orchestral and community leaders while advancing a national model for entrepreneurship and leadership training in the arts.
Additional benefits for NWS fellows include the following:
- Wellness Support: Resources for physical and mental well-being, including performance psychology and injury prevention.
- Financial Support: Fellowship stipend, housing, one-time relocation travel grant ($350) and instrument insurance and loan options.
Because Fellows sometimes depart before completing three years, openings vary each season. Therefore, NWS auditions for all instruments annually (with possible exceptions for timpani/percussion). Fellowship invitations are extended on a rolling basis following live/live-virtual auditions and confirmation of vacancies. Openings can occur at any time. NWS also offers musicians the opportunity to apply for placement on the substitute list only (without being actively considered for a fellowship) using a rolling deadline.
Each season, the New World Symphony offers performance and study opportunities to two Piano Fellows which include orchestral and chamber music performances and collaborative and solo playing opportunities. In addition, pianists receive lessons from visiting soloists and accompany master classes given by distinguished instrumentalists who work with NWS throughout the season. The application procedure for piano fellowships is the same as all orchestral instruments.
Currently, New World Symphony has no opening for a percussion or timpani Fellow, but you may add your name to our contact list by emailing admissions@nws.edu and you will be notified the next time this fellowship becomes available.
In conjunction with its musician training program, the New World Symphony offers programs for an audio/video Fellow and an orchestra librarian Fellow. These programs offer extensive hands-on experience in each of their chosen professions. Fellows work with Stéphane Denève, NWS staff and noted professionals in these fields to develop their skills and are invited to participate on a season-by-season basis.
Currently, New World Symphony has no opening for a audio/video or library Fellow, but you may add your name to our contact list by emailing admissions@nws.edu and you will be notified the next time this fellowship becomes available.
The New World Symphony offers a one-year conducting fellowship to a highly qualified conductor who has finished at least a bachelor’s degree and is not currently enrolled in a degree program. The Conducting Fellow works with Stéphane Denève and many visiting guest conductors and leads the New World Symphony in several of the season’s concerts and reading sessions.
Application process for all Instrumental Fellowships (including Piano) except percussion and timpani
Applications for the 2027-28 academic season are now open.
- You may apply online at https://app.getacceptd.com/nws. The deadline will be January 21, 2027 and there will be an application fee of $65.00.
- Applications consist of the online application, an attached pre-screening video (featuring a solo and excerpts), and an application fee. All applicants will be asked to submit a pre-screening video as part of our application process. Repertoire requirements can be found here.
- After the NWS audition panel reviews your application, some of you will be placed directly on to NWS’ substitute musician list for 2027-28 and others of you will be invited to schedule a live or live virtual audition. For this small group of musicians invited to a live/live virtual audition, NWS is offering you the choice of auditioning either in a handful of cities across the USA or by opting to play a live virtual audition using Audition Room. All live/live virtual audition dates will occur in March, 2027.
- These live/live virtual auditions will include an interview as well as performance. More information will be sent to those who are invited. These invitations and other preliminary results will be given by email no later than February 12, 2027.
- Additional audition results will be sent by e-mail no later than April 1, 2027.
Accompanists are not permitted at your audition. Repertoire requirements for prescreening, live/live virtual auditions can be found here. NWS will not provide copies of audition excerpts or solos.
Degree requirements/eligibility for a fellowship
NWS requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree by the start of the fellowship. If you are currently enrolled in a program, you must complete the program (e.g., undergraduate senior, second-year master’s student, or ABD in a doctoral program) to begin a fellowship. Applicants who are not yet eligible for a fellowship may still audition for the substitute list.
Application process for Conducting Fellowship
Applications are now open for a fellowship beginning in September 2027.
- The deadline for applications is November 6, 2026. You may apply online at https://app.getacceptd.com/nws.
- The application will consist of:
- Three essay questions and a current résumé
- A video showing you conducting music in rehearsal and/or performance preferably from a variety of musical periods and, if possible, a variety of ensemble sizes
- Three letters of recommendation
- A non-refundable application fee of $65.00
- Select applicants will be invited to a conducting workshop in Miami Beach on February 23-25, 2027. All audition results will be given by e-mail no later than November 23, 2026.
NWS offers musicians the opportunity to apply for placement on the substitute list only for the 2027-28 academic year. For the current 2026-27 period, substitute list needs have been met.
You may apply online at: https://app.getacceptd.com/nws. There is a $35.00 administrative fee to cover the cost of processing your application.
Applications for the 2027-28 substitute list open April 15, 2027 through July 31, 2027.
Repertoire information will be posted on our website. Some instruments have exceptions to these requirements and specific details can be found on Acceptd.
Results and more details about the substitute list will be emailed by August 15, 2027.
NWS's policy is to limit the number of musicians in our substitute pool. Members of the substitute pool may be called to serve as additional personnel to augment the orchestra for larger works or to replace NWS musicians taking time off during the year.
Any time you play with the orchestra as a substitute, NWS will provide air transportation, housing (if needed), and a stipend. If/when NWS requests to engage you as a substitute, it is your responsibility to make sure that your schedule is cleared and, particularly if still in school, that your time away is approved.
Please note: Non-U.S. citizens may perform with NWS but only if they have valid work authorization for the U.S.. NWS does not have the capacity to acquire work visas for non-citizens. If you are a student in the U.S., you may be able to use CPT or OPT. Please check with your school.