Application FAQs

General Questions

NWS auditions for every orchestral instrument each year, with the possible exceptions of timpani and percussion. These auditions also help create the substitute list for the season, so applicants who are not selected as Fellows may still have the opportunity to play with the orchestra.
Because Fellows sometimes leave before completing their fellowship, openings can change from season to season. With the exception of the one-year Conducting Fellowship, applicants should plan to audition each season so they can be considered if a fellowship position becomes available.

Recordings must include all required audition repertoire in the listed order, performed in one continuous, unedited take, with one camera angle and the applicant's full body visible. All repertoire should be unaccompanied. Any indication of editing or pausing may result in disqualification.
Applicants should watch the full recording before submitting it, record in a quiet space, avoid noisy appliances, place the microphone far enough away to avoid distortion, and prioritize audio quality over video quality if necessary.

Applicants advanced to the live/live-virtual round will select one discretionary excerpt that reflects who they are as an artist. This may highlight something musical, technical or personal about the applicant's playing.
The discretionary excerpt may be an orchestral or solo excerpt of typical audition length. It should showcase something essential about the applicant's playing or artistic identity.
Yes. The performance is evaluated on musical and technical merits. The accompanying essay gives NWS additional context about the applicant's choice.
Applicants invited to a live/live-virtual audition will also participate in an interview with NWS staff and alumni. The interview helps NWS learn more about the applicant's background, goals and interest in the fellowship. It is also an opportunity for applicants to ask questions about the program.

No. Percussion and timpani auditions are held separately in Miami, usually in May. There is not enough time or space to accommodate these instruments at all National Audition Tour locations. Information will be posted on the Percussion/Timpani section of the Audition Requirements page.

No. To be named an NWS Fellow, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. However, applicants without a bachelor's degree may audition for the substitute list.
No. Applicants must complete their current degree program before beginning an NWS fellowship. They may still audition for the substitute list.
Eligibility depends on the specific situation. Some schools and private teachers may allow a student to leave a program early. Applicants should inform the audition committee if their status changes.

No. With the exception of the Conducting Fellowship, NWS fellowships are awarded on a season-by-season basis for up to three years. Fellows are not required to stay for three years.

If an applicant is currently living in the United States, NWS requires proof that their current visa is valid and could be transferred if they are offered a fellowship. If an applicant is not currently living in the United States, NWS may be able to issue an F-1 student visa if they are offered a fellowship. Foreign nationals invited to perform as extra or substitute musicians must already have authorization to work in the United States, such as CPT or OPT on an F-1 visa, a Green Card or an O-1 visa.