FAQs

OAcademy is open to musicians worldwide. We invite candidates aged 18+; there is no age limit to apply. Fellows typically fall into the following categories: 

• Orchestra Institute: all orchestral instrumentalists in the early stages of entering a professional life in music; a minimum undergraduate level of training is expected; 
• Conducting Fellowship: conductors are likely to have undertaken prior conducting study and/or to be conducting student or community ensembles and orchestras;
• Composing Studio: composers who wish to refine their craft, make connections, and deeply understand the composition sector and its place in the broader industry;
• Piano Lab: pianists must exhibit solid professional potential, but no degree is required to apply. 

OAcademy provides an innovative global platform for rising musicians irrespective of location. We use technology to connect you with the music sector’s most prominent artists, professionals, and respected music institutions, all from the convenience of your home studio, no matter where you are. OAcademy uses Zoom for all sessions. We combine an immersive digital curriculum with short in-person retreats and residency opportunities across the globe.

The online training is complemented by elective in-person residencies that gather Fellows and Faculty in various international locations. Please note that international travel is optional and is not required to complete the program and obtain the Artist Diploma. 

Using the benefits of blended learning, OAcademy Fellows get the opportunity to learn weekly from a pool of +200 hundred faculty, connecting on the same day with tutors from the Berlin Philharmonic and the LA Philharmonic. Another advantage is that you don’t have to sacrifice your local context, established routine, and professional set-up to study at OAcademy.

The training is optimized to fit within the busy schedules of conservatory students and working orchestra musicians alike, with up to 5 hours of live activities twice a week, self-scheduled instrumental lessons and studio classes every other week, and self-paced creative projects and independent study time.

Simply fill out the application form corresponding to your fellowship of interest - entry requirements differ for each program so make sure to read the guidelines first.   

OAcademy Fellowships are awarded on a rolling basis to top-scoring candidates who apply first. 

Rolling admission means that applicants are evaluated when their materials are received, with fellowships awarded to top-scoring candidates who apply first. We review applications and release admission decisions on an ongoing basis, so you can expect to get a decision within few weeks after applying. 

No. OAcademy is free to apply and you only need to pay if selected for one of our programs.

Yes. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, OAcademy’s subsidized tuition covers the majority of the costs associated with honoraria for world-class faculty, mentors, and module leaders. Each accepted participant automatically receives a fellowship bursary that reduces the out-of-pocket cost to a one-off enrollment fee paid upon acceptance to the program.

Please check each program's costs for the most up-to-date tuition details. All enrollment fee payments are non-refundable.

English is the official language of instruction at OAcademy, so a comfortable level of comprehension and communication is needed. English is a global means of communication in many professional settings, and becoming more fluent in it will help you succeed. At OAcademy, we do our best to provide some support with language for Spanish speakers, but we do expect you to put forward your best effort for communicating in English.

OAcademy’s Orchestra Institute curriculum and activities span between January and June. Group online sessions take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 10am – 2pm Eastern Time. However, note that activities vary weekly and that you are not always required to be present for the full period between 10am - 2pm ET. The weekly time commitment ranges from 6-10 hours of both mandatory and voluntary on-screen activities, and involves up to 4 hours of independent work, including study, practice, team projects, and recordings.

Having reliable Internet access and a functioning device is essential to participate successfully in OAcademy. While it is possible to connect using smartphones for workshops and lectures, sessions that involve instrument playing, such as masterclasses and studio lessons, will require access to either a tablet or computer.

Auxiliary audio equipment 

All accepted Fellows must have access to headphones. External microphones are highly recommended.

Software 

OAcademy uses Zoom for all sessions. Other software might be required but will be communicated in due course. OAcademy Fellows are not required to purchase any licenses to use the software required for participation.