Introduction
Since its founding in 1987 by co-founder and Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas, the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, has gained an international reputation for the quality and style of its multifaceted performances. Now under the Artistic Direction of Stéphane Denève, NWS regularly performs to sold-out halls and its fellowship program consists of an in-depth course of performance and instructional activities designed to expand the musical and professional horizons of NWS Fellows. NWS is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

BENEFITS

Each NWS fellowship includes:

Fellowship Stipend

While attending NWS, Fellows receive a living allowance, referred to as a stipend, whenever NWS is in session (unless the Fellow has been given time off without stipend, as per the time-off policy explained in the handbook). The stipend is intended to cover basic living expenses (e.g., groceries, telephone service, optional low-cost health insurance, audition-related travel, instrument maintenance, limited entertainment and other travel and other incidental expenses), aside from NWS-provided housing.

For the 2025-26 academic year the stipend is $640.00 per week for 35 weeks.

Fellowship Housing

The New World Symphony owns and operates a housing site, which was renovated for use as residence facilities by NWS Fellows. A furnished apartment (with central air-conditioning, private bathroom and kitchen facilities) in this complex is provided to each Fellow. NWS’s housing site is administered by the Vice President of Facilities Operations and maintained by the Facilities Director along with members of the housing and facilities staff.

Travel Grant

Early in the season new NWS Fellows will receive a one-time travel grant of $350.00 which is intended to assist new Fellows with their re-location expenses.

Instrument Insurance

NWS covers the cost to insure each Fellow’s primary instrument. Fellows may purchase coverage through NWS’s policy for additional instruments for a cost of $35 per instrument or bow.

Instrument Loans

NWS has a limited pool of funds available to extend low-interest loans to Fellows for the purchase of new instruments.

Time-Off Policy

Fellows are required to be in Miami Beach and available to participate in NWS-related activities whenever the NWS program is in session unless time-off has been requested and approved. Fellows are required to comply with the formal request and approval procedure for all absences irrespective of the schedule, instrumentation requirements and/or seating assignments for any given period. It is recognized and expected that NWS Fellows periodically need time off to take auditions and to participate in other activities intended to enhance their professional development.

Audio/Video Fellowship and Library Fellowship

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. For detailed information on the application process, please visit our admission page or email admissions@nws.edu.

Conducting Fellowship

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. For detailed information on the application process, please visit our admission page or email admissions@nws.edu.

Piano Fellowship

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 and is detailed on the our admissions page.