Orchestra Management

This online certificate is a game-changer for the orchestra field, especially as many orchestras are working to become more relevant to their communities and eradicate exclusionary practices.

As a Jesuit institution focused on social justice, Le Moyne College is a well-positioned home for this certificate, which will consider diversity, equity, inclusion and access as integral components of successful orchestra management practice.

Although the certificate will be fully-online, students will have the chance to connect with each other, faculty members, and hundreds of orchestra professionals by attending the annual conference of the League of American Orchestras, beginning in June 2023 at the league’s conference in Pittsburgh. Students may apply to Le Moyne College’s "Friends of the Arts" fund to help cover travel expenses to the conference and other professional development opportunities.

Summer (early July to early August)
AAD 604 Inside the Orchestra - Why Offstage Relationships Matter
The professional orchestra is a complex organization that achieves its mission through the work of the board, staff, musicians and volunteers. The effectiveness, creativity and success of that work depends on the strength of the relationships within the organization. During this course, students will develop an understanding of how the relationships of the board, staff, musicians and volunteers are connected and dependent upon each other. Students will explore the impact of various perspectives each individual and each constituency brings to the work. Students will also learn strategies for effective conflict resolution, communication and team building that will ultimately support the mission of a professional orchestra.

Fall (late August to early December)
AAD 501 Introduction to Creative and Not-for-Profit Administration
An introduction to the world of creativity, focusing on not-for-profit organizations and exploring the various types of creative organizations and management principles applied therein. Students will participate in discussions both in class and online, applying knowledge gained through readings and guest lectures by working professionals in order to conceptualize the interconnected and diverse world of creative and not-for-profit administration.

AAD 504 Financial Management in Creative Industries
An exploration of the financial issues relevant to the not-for-profit creative industries, including budgeting, financial management, and financial planning (both short-term and long-term). Students will develop a strong familiarity with financial statements, with the objective of gaining the skills necessary to oversee the financial operations of a not-for-profit creative organization./p>

Spring (mid January to mid May)
AAD 503 Governance & Board Development
In addition to governing, the board of directors of an arts organization also sets the tone and influences the culture that permeates the institution. During this course, students will explore the all-important role of the board of directors as the guiding force of the organization. Students will develop strategies to foster productive and beneficial relationships with members of the board of directors, and will also develop strategies for board recruitment, training and retention.

AAD 605 The Orchestral Evolution
An exploration of the various types, sizes, and expressions of professional orchestras with a specific focus on contemporary issues facing these institutions. The course familiarizes students with the challenges and opportunities orchestras face as they engage with the world around them. Students will examine the history of orchestras, discuss contemporary practice, and explore current issues in the profession as it faces the future of orchestras in the twenty-first century.

Scholarship: The College will offer a limited number of competitive scholarship awards to students who are accepted into the program.

Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the College is pleased to award up to 10, $1,000 awards to deserving applicants. Students must be admitted to the program to be considered for these awards. No additional application is required to be considered for scholarship.

Professional Development: Although the certificate will be fully-online, cohort members will have the option to connect with each other, faculty members, and hundreds of orchestra professionals by attending the annual conference of the League of American Orchestras, beginning in June 2023 at the league’s conference in Pittsburgh. Students may apply to Le Moyne College’s “Friends of the Arts” fund to help cover travel expenses to the conference and other professional development opportunities.