Ensemble Forward
Coaching for emerging NYC-based ensembles that perform Western European classical and contemporary chamber music.
This program is not currently accepting applications.
2024 program information is available on this page.
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About the Program
Chamber Music America’s Ensemble Forward program is an initiative for emerging ensembles that perform Western European classical and contemporary chamber music and are based in the five boroughs of New York City. The goals of this program are to support ensembles at a crucial time in their career development and to help them navigate an increasingly demanding cultural landscape.
CMA will provide grant funds for ensembles to work with an established chamber music coach to help them develop their distinctive ensemble sound; make career information resources available; and create networking opportunities for ensemble musicians to meet each other, as well as composers and presenters, further enlarging their professional circles. The program includes career training and advancement through CMA’s Learning Residentials and financial support for making a demo recording.
The Board of Directors of Chamber Music America has made diversity, inclusion, and equity a primary focus of the organization’s work. CMA’s goal in this program is, through the panel review process, to arrive at a final slate of grantees that is representative of the field in terms of race and gender. Read CMA’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.
This program is supported by the New York Community Trust.
For more information contact:
Susan Dadian, Associate Director of Grant Programs, sdadian@chambermusicamerica.org
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
- Application
- Application Workshop Video (YouTube)
- Application Workshop Presentation
- Guidelines
- Sample MOU
- Recent Panelists
Ensemble Forward Frequently Asked Questions
Ensembles of 2-10 musicians that perform Western European classical and contemporary chamber music based in the five boroughs of New York City and in the early stages of a career are eligible. You can review eligibility guidelines here.
Ensemble Forward funds five sessions with a chamber music coach. The program provides the coach $2,500 for a total of 5 sessions with the ensemble and each ensemble musician receives $1,000.
The program will provide grantees with complimentary attendance at CMA’s 2023 national conference, Learning Residentials – skill-building sessions/workshops led by industry experts, networking opportunities, $4,000 in funding support for a demo recording, and a one-year membership to CMA.
Should it not be possible to meet with your coach in person for health and safety reasons, virtual sessions are possible with the entire ensemble participating as a group.
Grant activities must take place between January 1 to December 31, 2024.
CMA staff can provide names and contact information for potential coaches.
Yes, the ensemble leader is responsible for filing the appropriate tax forms, collecting receipts and invoices, and completing and submitting the final report on grant expenses.
Either the full ensemble or at least 50% of its musicians must be heard in the audio samples. Please note that a duo must submit works with both partners.
Acceptable audio formats are mp3 and m4a.
Review the application guidelines. To apply, visit cma.submittable.com and click on “Ensemble Forward.” An application webinar will be provided. Additionally, a consultation may be scheduled, or questions may be sent to CMA staff.
CMA collects data on race and ethnicity in connection to grant programs and applications; membership; and surveys with partner organizations, like funding partners. As such, CMA has developed a set of standards for keeping, collecting, and presenting data on race and ethnicity that aim to provide consistency in collecting and using this type of data.
These standards have been developed in accordance with data collection standards by other groups such as CMA’s funders, federal agencies, and agencies that track race and ethnicity data.