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ESYO Young Leaders

Now Accepting Young Leader Applications for the 2023-2024 Season

The Young Leader program provides ESYO members the opportunity to engage in leadership training and gain hands-on experience in the music world. Young Leaders have the chance to assist in ESYO programs, collaborate with their peers on community projects, engage with mentors and participate in leadership workshops.

Apply Today!

To be eligible for the Young Leaders program, a student must be in high school, and be a member in good standing of an ESYO performing ensemble or of the CHIME program. A Young Leader must commit to the program for the entire season, and is expected to participate an average of 8-10 hours per month in cohort meetings, workshops, volunteer activities, special events, projects, administrative tasks and mentor meetings.

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Opportunities

Participating in the Young Leaders program affords provides access to many unique and exciting opportunities:

  • Leadership and professional development workshops
  • One-on-one mentorship with accomplished professionals in your area of interest
  • Community outreach opportunities
  • Young Leader Cohort meetings
  • Community service credit hours
  • Performance opportunities
  • Resume-building experience
  • Performance scholarships and college audition support

Areas of Interest

Young Leaders are encouraged to explore potential career tracks and gain hands-on experience during their tenure in the program. These include:

Music Education & Performance

  • Observe a variety of pedagogical methods and teaching styles, and gain hands-on experience as a teaching assistant.
  • Mentor younger musicians as a stand partner, teaching assistant or coach. 
  • Participate in Teaching Artist training and other professional development workshops

Arts Administration

  • Observe and assist with ESYO’s operations, marketing and development departments to gain insight to the inner workings of a non-profit arts organization.
  • Participate in strategic communications discussions and assist with social media and fundraising.
  • Assist with concert and events planning.

General Professional Development

  • Gain skills and experience in important areas for all artists, freelancers and professionals, such as:
    • Finance
    • Personal and professional branding and marketing
    • Social media and web development
Apply Today!

Mentorship

ESYO is a proud member of the New York Mentoring Network

Young Leaders are matched with an adult mentor, uniquely suited to their particular academic, musical and professional areas of interest. Mentors hail from all parts of the globe and are carefully selected to provide Young Leaders with powerful insight and meaningful advice in the Arts field. Many mentors are ESYO alums. Young Leaders meet regularly with their mentors throughout the season, and work one-on-one to design a program experience that serves their specific interests and goals.