(
LPO ACADEMY
The LPO Academy is an in-school music mentorship program. This program provides New Orleans youth the opportunity to intensively study instrumental music in one-on-one and small group settings with a Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Music Mentor. We partner with existing music ensemble programs in the Greater New Orleans area to offer this service to students as part of their regular school day.
In addition to in-school weekly instruction, students participate in collaborative performances with students from other LPO Academy sites in local festivals and/or LPO concerts. LPO Academy students and their families also receive special opportunities to attend concerts, masterclasses, and events with guest artists.
LPO Academy is made possible through the generosity of the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
2026-2027, Grades 9-12
About the Fellowship Program
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is seeking 9th-12th grade students from the Greater New Orleans area to audition for the LPO Academy Fellowship Program. Standard orchestral woodwind, brass, and string players are eligible.
Tuition is $50/semester. There is no fee to apply.
If selected, Fellows will receive:
Weekly coaching sessions at Loyola University in a Fellowship
Chamber Group, led by an LPO musician*
Opportunities for community projects and performances.
Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with LPO guest artists and conductors.
Free tickets to select LPO concerts.
Professional portraits.
*LPO Academy Fellowship rehearsals will take place on Mondays from
5:30-7 PM (location TBA). LPO Academy Fellows must attend weekly
rehearsal. (School holidays will be observed.)
DEADLINES:
Application deadline: September 8, 2026
Live audition: September 14, 2026
Fall semester start date: September 21, 2026
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
One scale of your choice.
An excerpt from any solo that you play well. Please limit your solo to no more than one minute in length.
Sight reading.
Brief, spoken interview.
2026-2027, Grades 3-5
About the String Academy Program
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is seeking 3rd-5th grade students from the Greater New Orleans area to apply for the LPO String Academy Program. The LPO String Academy offers lessons in violin, viola, and cello to students 3rd - 5th grade with 0-1 years of playing experience.
Tuition is $150/semester. There is no fee to apply.
Classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 PM
at Loyola University, beginning September 21.
Tuition is $150 per semester. Scholarship opportunities available.
$50 instrument deposit for instrument rental. Deposit will be refunded upon return of instrument.
Students will receive:
1 hour group lessons twice a week
Instrument and accessories
Music binder and method book
T-shirt
Performance opportunities
DEADLINES:
Fall semester start date: September 21, 2026