Music Leadership Academy
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Dear Aspiring Music Leader,
Flow University is proud to announce the creation of its Music Leadership Academy (MLA). This program is designed to provide an exceptional opportunity for a select number of musicians who aspire to careers in the field of music to learn to unlock your full potential across the spectrum of music, education and leadership. Our ethos is rooted in a commitment to the comprehensive nurturing of musicians, marrying technical prowess with a holistic sensibility that advances physical awareness and fluidity of movement. At Flow, we cultivate an environment where students are primed for success, safeguarded from the physical strains of practice, and encouraged to embrace a path of lifelong learning and expressive richness.
We hope that you will be interested in competing for this opportunity to join the Music Leadership Academy.
The MLA is presented in partnership with The Carolina Philharmonic, and is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Van Camp Family Matching Challenge Grant, as well as community donors who are rising to meet the funding opportunity.
Expectations for Academy Students
As a student of the Music Leadership Academy, you are embarking on a journey that is as rewarding as it is demanding. This full-scholarship program requires a two-year commitment.
During the school year, your weeks will be structured yet dynamic, consisting of 3-4 hours of class time spread across two weekday afternoons or evenings. The curriculum is robust, featuring a mixture of private lessons, group instruction, and masterclasses, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. During the Summer, the schedule will be flexible and intermittent, to allow time for a summer pause from the vigorous pace of the school-year.
In addition to scheduled classes, you will be part of special events, weekend seminars, performances, and student teaching opportunities that will enrich your learning and provide real-world experience. These are integral components of the program and require your full participation.
The expectation outside class is significant; daily practice is essential to hone the skills and knowledge acquired during lessons. This discipline is crucial for your development as both a musician and a leader in the field.
To complement your studies in the Music Leadership Academy, Flow University intends to collaborate with Sandhills Community College to offer additional classes for college credit, also under scholarship. This is an opportunity to further your education and prepare for a future in music beyond the Academy.
This program is tailored for the most serious and motivated students, those who envision a life dedicated to the mastery and mentorship of music. Your commitment here will set the foundation for a lifetime of musical exploration and achievement.
Registration Process
Step 1: Inquiry
Visit our website for program details: www.flowuniversity.org/MLA
Step 2: Application Preparation
Write an essay (up to 600 words) on how the Academy will benefit your music career.
Select two contrasting audition pieces (the audition will last up to 15 minutes, so there is a chance your selections may be cut short, depending on length).
Obtain two letters of recommendation, submitted directly to info@flowuniversity.org.
Step 3: Application Submission
Fill in the online application and upload necessary documents.
There is no application fee.
Step 4: Audition and Interview
Flow will contact you via email on Monday, January 22 with your audition time.
Prepare for a personal interview to discuss your goals and passion.
Step 5: Post-Audition
Await an email confirmation of your application and audition.
A follow-up interview may be scheduled if necessary.
Step 6: Admission Decision
The Committee will review all aspects of your application.
Admission notifications will be sent via email.
Step 7: Enrollment Confirmation
Confirm acceptance and complete enrollment paperwork by the deadline.
Schedule a meeting with the Dean for your study plan.
Step 8: Onboarding
Attend an orientation session.
Familiarize yourself with the campus and program resources.
Selection Requirements
Residency: Candidates must be NC residents in the Moore County area.
Age: Candidates should be aged between 13 and 25.
Career Intentions: A career in music must be the goal.
Musical Proficiency: Demonstrable skill in audition pieces.
Artistic Expression: Versatility shown through contrasting audition pieces.
Essay Insight: Clarity of motivation and future plans in music.
Interview Engagement: Ability to communicate your passion and vision.
Holistic Evaluation: Dedication, potential, and unique perspective.
Important Dates
January 20, 2024: Application Deadline
Saturday, January 27, 2024, beginning at 9am: Auditions and Interviews
Week of February 12, 2024: Commencement of Lessons and Classes
Selection Committee
Chaired by David Michael Wolff, Flow University Dean as well as Artistic Director & Principal Conductor of The Carolina Philharmonic, the Music Leadership Academy’s Selection Committee is composed of distinguished musician leaders from the Sandhills region:
Dr. Kristina Henckel, Professor of Piano at Sandhills Community College
Rev. Dr. Paul Murphy, Pastor of Trinity AME Zion Church and professional multi-instrumentalist
Chris Dunn, Executive Director of the Arts Council and professional trumpet player
Katie Wyatt, Executive Director of Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities and Principal Violist of The Carolina Philharmonic
The Committee aims to uphold the integrity of our selection process, focusing on identifying students who show promise not only in musicianship but in the varied facets of educational engagement.
Closing
We hope this guide supports you in your application process. The journey to becoming a part of the Music Leadership Academy is an exciting opportunity to showcase your talents, aspirations, and dedication to the art of music.
With warm regards,
Admissions Office
Music Leadership Academy at Flow University