NACO Mentorship Program
NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program
Hone your orchestral skills under the mentorship of the musicians and administrators of one of North America’s leading orchestras. This unique side-by-side program offers exceptional career-development opportunities centred around rehearsals and performances of major contemporary and classic symphonic works with Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO).
A tuition-free program
All participants receive an honorarium, free accommodations, and a meal allowance. The program grants travel subsidies to each participant as a percentage of their total travel costs.
Candidates for the NACO Mentorship Program
Applications are open to international candidates aged 18 and older who are completing their performance degree and are on the audition circuit, or who are in the early stages of their professional orchestral career.
Eligible candidates are:
- Classically trained conductors with a broad knowledge of orchestral repertoire
- Orchestral instrumentalists
- Music librarians
- Orchestra personnel manager
Librarians and personnel managers should be seeking to further their knowledge, hone their skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience. A history of playing in an orchestra is an asset for these positions.
Application deadline: January 26, 2026
Program dates: June 8 to 25, 2026