Funding Amount

$250

Deadline

May 15, 2026

37 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Young Musician Leadership Award

Organization: Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO)

Purpose: Encourages a more intentional pathway into the field of arts administration by recognizing students who currently show strong leadership potential in performing ensembles.

Award Focus:

  • Recognition of leadership potential, NOT musical ability

  • Highlights individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to orchestra, school, peer group, or community
  • Eligibility:

  • Young musicians in middle school through college

  • Must be part of a performing ensemble

  • Must show remarkable potential to become a future leader in performing arts field

  • Special encouragement for students from non-traditional pathways into music

  • ACSO encourages nominations representing wide array of ages, genders, and ethnicities
  • Geographic Scope: California

    Award Benefits:

  • Honorarium: $250 (underwritten by Dean McVay, ACSO Board Emeritus)

  • ACSO Individual Student Membership: One year complimentary

  • Conference Registration: One (1) complimentary registration to 2026 Annual Conference
  • Contact: office@acso.org

    Additional Resources: Sample nomination available on website

    Recent Recipients:

  • 2025: Christopher Sterling, Southern California Philharmonic

  • 2024: Iris Rodriguez, San Diego Youth Symphony

  • 2023: Zen Glick, Pasadena High School & Pasadena Youth Symphony
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Submit a nomination through the ACSO website
    2. Deadline: Friday, May 15th, 2026
    3. Application should demonstrate leadership potential and service contributions
    4. Include details about nominee's leadership accomplishments
    5. Explain how nominee has gone above and beyond in service to their organization/community

    Note: Sample nomination form available on website for reference

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    music-educationyouth-programsyouth-leadership

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