Applications for the 2024 cycle are now opened!
Please note: An interview will only occur if you make it pass the application round. The final follow-up is to provide feedback on your application and inform you if you were accepted.
Application Materials
Recommendation
Request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, supervisor, or mentor and have them submit this Recommendation Letter form. This letter should NOT be about your performance abilities. Rather, it should address your work ethic, personal characteristics, academic ability, potential for leadership, and/or your potential commitment to the goals of the Catherine Filene Shouse ALP Certificate. If you are a new graduate student, please do not use your new studio professor unless you have a prior relationship with them.
Essays
Complete 3 short essays (400-500 words each). These are designed to give us a more detailed view of your past experience, ambitions, and what you hope to get out of the Catherine Filene Shouse ALP Certificate of Achievement.
- Describe your career ambitions. What experience, knowledge, or connections do you hope to get out of the certificate program in order to help you achieve these career goals?
- New Question – What does it mean to be a leader? What are three skills that you think all leaders should have and why?
- Describe any activities or projects in which you have been involved that demonstrated YOUR initiative or leadership (e.g., audience outreach, ensemble organization and programming, administration of student organizations, etc.).
Resume
Using our template, develop a current resume outlining your background, work & internship and/or leadership experience. If our template is not used, the application will NOT be accepted. For assistance in developing a leadership/administrative résumé, visit our Resume & CV page OR attend one of our Peer Career Advisor sessions.
What We Are Looking For
When reviewing applications, we expect for students to:
Required
- Be in good academic standing
- Have current/prior work experience
- Research the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement and understand what the program offers
- Submit a high-quality application that follows the instructions
Preferred
- Demonstrate existing leadership experience and skills
- Be mindful of how the classical music field is evolving and current trends
- Articulate their personal and professional goals – even if they include many ideas
Gaining Experience
Want to see if you are a good fit for the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement? Need to build upon your skills and knowledge to meet our requirements? Try out some of these opportunities:
In General
- Apply for an on-campus or summer job
- Attend conferences/workshops in fields you are interested in
- Run your own ensemble
- Volunteer in the community
- Develop and work on a professional project
At Eastman
- Take an IML Course
- Attend the Eastman Leadership Academy
- Make a career advising appointment
- Apply for one of our grants
- Become an orientation leader or board member of a student organization
Have a question? Feel free to reach out to the Program Director at alp@esm.rochester.edu.
