Program - NAC Orchestra Mentorship

Take your orchestral career to the next level

Side-by-side learning
Receive one-on-one mentorship with NAC Orchestra musicians, guest artists and administrators.

Rehearse and perform with the NAC Orchestra
Rehearse and perform standard and contemporary repertoire with the NAC Orchestra, led by Music Director Alexander Shelley.

Enriched learning environment
20 hours of score reading both in sections and with full orchestra, and 10+ virtual and in-person career-enhancing workshops and masterclasses. Discover what goes on behind the scenes to deliver an orchestral program. 

Networking opportunities
Network with professional orchestral musicians, composers, conductors, arts administrators, and stage technicians. Make lasting connections with your 50+ peers from around the world

Professional development and wellness
Build a professional toolkit, with training in communications and self-promotion, along with valuable practices for mental and physical wellbeing.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion
The NAC is committed to ensuring greater inclusion of historically marginalized communities in its recruitment and selection process and to becoming a true reflection of the plurality of voices that make up Canada’s art scene. Indigenous, Black and people of colour (IBPOC), people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities are strongly encouraged to apply and to self-identify. 

Lasting impact

Concrete skills, valuable advice, increased knowledge of the industry, unique performance opportunities, and constructive strategies for putting it all into practice as you navigate real-world opportunities—these are our raison d’être. With guidance provided by some of the finest musicians in Canada, the Americas, and the world, the NACO Mentorship Program will give you a clearer understanding of your own unique artistic purpose and how to achieve it, wherever your career takes you.