Harnessing the Power of Collective Action
About National Collective for Musical Pathways
The National Collective for Musical Pathways is an alliance of rigorous pre-college music training programs committed to removing barriers and accelerating the progress of BIPOC musicians. Pathways initiatives provide comprehensive, holistic support for young artists from underrepresented backgrounds in preparation for careers as professional musicians. In addition to intensive musical training, these programs also provide mentorship, family engagement, and individualized advisory curricula to prepare young musicians for the demands of the classical music field.
If you are interested in joining the Collective, complete this form.
Benefits
In addition to being a space for information sharing and support, members of the Collective:
- Are eligible for funding opportunities. In May 2023, 8 members of the Collective received over $1.8 million in multi-year program support. Learn more ﹥
- Participate in consulting and strategy sessions
- Students of color are eligible to apply for the National Pathways Festival. Learn more ﹥
Members
- Talent Development Program (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Atlanta, GA)
- Intensive Community Program, (Boston Symphony Youth Orchestras – Boston, MA)
- Project STEP (Boston, MA)
- Nouveau (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – Cincinnati, OH)
- Musical Pathways Fellowship (Cleveland Institute of Music – Cleveland, OH)
- Herbert Zipper Scholarship (Colburn School – Los Angeles, CA)
- CSO Academy (Columbus Symphony – Columbus, OH)
- GTCYS Pathways Musicians (Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies – St. Paul, MN)
- Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (Merit School of Music – Chicago, IL)
- Cali Pathways Project (Montclair State University – Montclair, NJ)
- Accelerando (Nashville Symphony – Nashville, TN)
- Boston BEAM (New England Conservatory – Boston, MA)
- College Track Mentorship Program (New World Symphony – Miami, FL)
- Baltimore Musical Pathways Initiative (Peabody Preparatory – Baltimore, MD)
- Marian Anderson Young Artist Program (Play on Philly – Philadelphia, PA)
- Primavera Fund (Philadelphia, PA)
- PMAY Artists’ Initiative (Settlement Music School – Philadelphia, PA)
- Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (Washington, DC)
- Rising Star Fellows (Youth Orchestras of San Antonio – San Antonio, TX)
Pathways in Process Programs
These equitable training programs are working with Equity Arc to refining their program components to reflect the Pathways model.
- OrchKids (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra – Baltimore, MD)
- DYAO Musical Pathways (Denver Young Artists Orchestra —Denver, CO)
- Civic Youth Ensembles (Detroit Symphony Orchestra — Detroit, MI)
“I gained resources for teachers, instruments, mentorship (masterclasses) and travels for trial lessons and summer programs. Without these, I wouldn’t have made it here today.”
Patricia Harden, Primavera Fund ’23
Our Mission
The National Collective for Musical Pathways is an alliance of rigorous pre-college music training programs that provide opportunities to, remove barriers from, and accelerate progress of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) classical musicians.
Our Vision
We believe in a world where pathways graduates are irrefutably competitive and prepared to thrive in leading collegiate programs that prepare them for a sustainable performing career.
Values
Respect
We value the lived experiences of young BIPOC musicians and understand the inevitable challenges they will face along their musical journey.
Equity
We are driven to advance equitable systems and opportunities for young BIPOC musicians.
Collaboration
We partner with parental units and a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve our mission.
Solutions
We advocate for BIPOC musicians, promote practical policies, and model solutions for the field of classical music traditions.
Change
We seek to change mindsets, hearts, and practices to transform systems at every level along the pathway.
