Viola masterclasses at OAcademy
The Orchestra Institute Viola Fellowship is tailored for violists seeking an orchestra academy experience—complete with world-class viola masterclasses, instrumental coaching, and workshops led by top industry professionals.
At OAcademy, we offer aspiring violists an exceptional opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of world-renowned musicians and mentors. As part of the Orchestra Institute, OAcademy provides a comprehensive, fast-track Viola Artist Diploma designed for musicians eager to take their playing to the next level. Our unique online conservatory experience combines interactive lessons, masterclasses, and performance opportunities to prepare you for a successful career in the world’s top orchestras.
1-on-1 instruction
At the heart of OAcademy’s performance instruction is the Studio Faculty. Milan Milisavljević, Principal Viola at The MET Opera Orchestra is OAcademy's Viola Studio Head. Milan guides the learning journey for Orchestra Institute Fellows through group and individual lessons, working on technical development, target core instrumental and orchestral repertoire, delivering guidance on viola audition preparation, and preparing Fellows towards performance assignments within the music conservatory's curriculum.
Themed Masterclasses
Our weekly masterclasses focus on a variety of performance and technique related themes, within the overarching streams of: Calibration, Principals and Virtuoso Series, which target core orchestral repertoire, section leading practices and virtuosity, respectively.
You will learn from stars like Melissa Reardon and Tomoko Akasaka, receive advice from top principals from around the world, like Roberto Díaz (Principal Viola, Philadelphia Orchestra), and interact with international faculty like Lech Antonio Uszyński (Professor of Viola at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague).
Orchestral Studies
Orchestral repertoire study sits at the intersection between OAcademy instrumental, leadership and team learning. Guided by some of the world's greatest conductors, like Marin Alsop or Leonard Slatkin, each session brings together the whole orchestra in an immersive exploration of a composer, piece, or theme, with a special emphasis on performing excerpts.
Leadership Skills
Our leadership training, designed for 21-century musicians, includes cultivating practical familiarity with communication frameworks, such as media, branding, networking, management, and mindset development under the guidance of industry experts.
Why OAcademy?
If you're wondering how to become a professional musician in an orchestra, OAcademy offers a flexible and accessible path forward. You’ll build essential skills, connect with a global network of peers, prepare for viola auditions, and take part in meaningful, collaborative projects—all without the need to relocate or pause your current engagements.
Convenient Schedule
Our blended learning approach will help you balance your studies with your other commitments.
World-Class Faculty
Learn from internationally acclaimed viola players from leading orchestras in Europe and North America.
Global Exposure
Engage in a blended learning format that combines online lessons and live sessions, giving you access to expertise from anywhere in the world.
Holistic Artist Development
Gain confidence in performance, audition preparation, digital media creation, networking, and more, helping you stand out in the competitive world of classical music.
International Opportunities
Prepare for prestigious orchestra auditions and immerse yourself in the global music scene through international residencies and collaborations.
360º Career Guidance
Deep dive into the orchestra profession by interacting with principals, section players, lead violists, and conductors to navigate artistic, organizational, and social aspects of the job.