Canada's NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program

Hone your orchestral skills under the mentorship of the musicians of one of North America’s leading orchestras. This unique three-week side-by-side program offers exceptional career-development opportunities centered around rehearsals and performances of major contemporary and classic symphonic works with Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO).

The NACO Mentorship Program takes place in the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall, the University of Ottawa School of Music’s Pérez Hall, and associated internal rehearsal spaces. These venues and spaces are in Ottawa, Canada’s officially bilingual capital city.

Side-by-side experience with professionals
Participants work side-by-side with their NACO mentors in sectionals, rehearsals, and public concerts. Dialogue between mentors and participants is a main feature of this program.

Lasting impact
Participants have meaningful opportunities to network and create long-lasting bonds with NACO mentors and with their peers from around the world.

Career enhancement 
The NACO Mentorship Program attracts world-renowned artists to offer masterclasses. Guest artist talks offer opportunities to pose questions to professional artists in diverse career paths.

Wellness and mental health
The NACO Mentorship Program presents guest talks on critical topics of physical wellness and mental preparedness. Participants understand that attending to their physical and mental wellness ensures longevity, stamina, success, and happiness in their careers.