Moving Forward Together

Our convenings bring together musicians, administrators, educators, parents, and supporters from across the United States to collaborate and create solutions for advancing pathways into music.

The National Convening promotes cross-sector engagement, with conversations that span the arc of musical development. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and break-out groups, we develop concrete steps to build meaningful, lasting progress in the field.

A concurrent Festival provides an intensive musical experience for Fellows to work alongside a world-class faculty. Young artists have opportunities to network with peers, learn from professional musicians, and engage in intentional conversations about their personal journeys and the future of the field.

2026 Equity Arc National Convening & Festival Ensembles

The 2026 convening took place May 1-3 in Tysons, VA. Parents, administrators, educators, and supporters engaged in deep conversations about the field of classical music and how we can best support future generations of talent. Convening attendees were impacted by a focus on mentorship, and the powerful keynote addresses by Gabriela Lena Frank and Bryan Stevenson left everyone feeling deeply moved and hopeful.

Highlights from the 2026 National Convening included:

From Talent to Tenacity: Equity Arc Fellow Panel
Opening Keynote Address by composer and pianist Gabriela Lena Frank
Breakout Conversations
Closing Keynote Address by acclaimed public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson
Equity Arc Festival Concert, featuring the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra and the Equity Arc Wind Symphony