New Jersey Symphony Colton Orchestral Fellowship Audition 2026–27

The New Jersey Symphony is holding auditions for the 2026–27 Colton Orchestral Fellowship. This fellowship is an excellence-based program designed to support early-career orchestra musicians whose personal backgrounds and lived experiences bring perspectives not typically represented in professional orchestras. Up to two fellows will be selected to participate in New Jersey Symphony performances, receive mentorship, and engage with the community.

Eligibility & Requirements

Deadline to apply: March 30, 2026

Auditions: All Rounds held in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ.    

• Preliminary Round: Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5, 2026
• Semifinal Round: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
• Final Round: Thursday, May 7, 2026

Dates of employment: The New Jersey Symphony 2026–27 season is September 1, 2026–August 31, 2027.

• Schedule and compensation for this position is commensurate with that of New Jersey Symphony tenured musicians.
• The season is comprised of 29 Weeks (including two (2) weeks of paid vacation, up to one (1) additional week of vacation services, and up to seventeen (17) Community Partners Program services).
• As of September 1, 2026, weekly compensation will be $1,603.06.
• Benefits include paid employee health insurance (contributory spousal, parent/child or family coverage and contributory dental coverage available), life insurance, long-term disability insurance, instrument insurance, and pension contribution of 11.99%.
• Additionally, New Jersey Symphony Colton Fellows will receive up to $8,000.00 in support of professional development opportunities.

Fellowship Eligibility:

• Applicant must be an early-career orchestra musician whose personal background and lived experiences bring perspectives not typically represented in professional orchestras.
• Play an orchestral string instrument.
• Eligible for employment in the United States for the 2026–27 season (the New Jersey Symphony is not able to sponsor work visas for this Fellowship).
• Bachelor of Music degree preferred.
• Candidates who have held a full-season contract position with any ICSOM orchestra are not eligible to apply.

Application Requirements:

• A one-page resume with your contact info
• A second version of your one-page resume with your name, email address, physical address, and phone number removed. This redacted version is given to the Audition Committee for screening purposes.
• 3 professional references
• A short answer (3 sentences) to each of the following questions:
  • Please provide one example of how you have engaged with diverse communities through music.
  • Please describe someone whom you consider to be one of your most important mentors and role models, and how you have applied what you have learned from them in both your personal and professional lives.
  • How would you use your time as a New Jersey Symphony Colton Orchestral Fellow to promote equitable creative excellence that is accessible across the unique communities of New Jersey?
  • How do you see the program supporting your long-term career goals?
• Submit your application by clicking the link below.

Submit Your Application

Questions about the application may be sent to Adria Benjamin, Orchestra Personnel Manager (personnelmanager@njsymphony.org).

Resumes will be reviewed after submission. All applicants will be notified by email of confirmation of their submissions and next steps. Audition travel assistance may be available upon request.

Please note the following:

• The Symphony shall provide, at no cost to applicants, the opportunity to receive one hour of pre-audition coaching with Contracted Musicians. You will be contacted about this opportunity after March 30.
• All audition rounds will be held behind a screen.
• The Audition Committee reserves the right to dismiss immediately any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards at these auditions.
• Clean copies of music will be provided on stage. Candidates are welcome to use their own music.

The New Jersey Symphony celebrates the cultural vibrancy of our communities and builds meaningful relationships that elevate and strengthen them. We seek to create a culture of inclusion and a work environment that values hard work, professionalism, and creativity. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for open positions.

This fellowship is made possible by a generous gift from Judith & Stewart Colton.

The New Jersey Symphony is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS).