Center for Arts Leadership FAQs
Please note the deadline has been extended to December 3rd!
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Any high school, college freshman or sophomore musician in the Greater Boston area is eligible.
Do I have to be a From the Top alum?
No.
What will I be doing in this program?
You will be working in teams of up to seven fellow arts leaders and a project mentor, to develop and implement a community service project at a pre-determined site in Boston that uses music in creative and varied ways to make a difference.
What is the time commitment?
The program runs from January 2011 through January 2012. See Program Timeline for a breakdown of program phases and participant requirements. There is a time commitment of 20 hours a month for each arts leader, which can be organized in many different ways, depending on the specific needs of each project site. The amount of work will fluctuate throughout the year: some months will include full group meetings; other months it will be primarily independent work.
Do I need to attend all events?
Yes.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. We will be providing each arts leader with a stipend of $500 for the entire program.
What if I don't know my exact schedule for next year yet?
You must be able to attend all dates specified on the Program Timeline and commit to the entire, yearlong program. The 20-hr per month time commitment will be flexible to allow for individual and project-specific needs. You will have input in determining the final schedule.
Are current high school seniors eligible?
Because the program extends beyond graduation into the summer and fall of 2011, only seniors who will be remaining in the Boston area through January 2012 are eligible.
Do I have a choice of project sites? Where/what are they?
Participants will be assigned to project sites based on individual interest, experience, and site needs. Efforts will be made to ensure that each project team reflects a diverse range of ages, geographic origin, gender and related experience.
Examples of potential partner sites include:
Boston Public Schools
Non-profit organizations
Youth or community centers
Hospitals or rehabilitation centers
When will I find out my project site and who my fellow teammates are?
You will receive an orientation packet two weeks before the program launch (January 7-9, 2011) that contains all of this information.
What level of musical skill is required?
You must be proficient enough with your instrument to be able to use your music creatively and adapt it for multiple purposes in different settings. You must be comfortable performing and sharing your music with varied audiences. A minimum of five years of private instruction is preferred. We understand that for some individuals, this may not apply. There is space on the application to describe any comparable training/experience and your musical background.
Do I have to be a classical musician?
No. We are looking for musicians from a wide range of experiences and genres, including, but not limited to, classical. We're looking for passionate, creative musicians who believe in the power of music to inspire, empower and create positive change in the world.
How much performance will be involved in the project? Will there be additional practice/rehearsal time required for this?
This will vary depending on individual project sites.
Do I need to submit an audition recording?
No, but finalists will be required to have an in-person interview, during which they will be asked to demonstrate and share their music. Our preference is for a live demonstration, however, we are open to other alternatives, depending on individual needs. We will send detailed information about the interview in advance. We encourage all applicants to send us any supplementary materials (DVD, CD, links to videos online) that will help us better understand you as a musician.
Will there be an interview?
Yes. An in-person interview is required for all finalists. Interviews will take place between December 6 - December 17, 2010. Finalists will be notified by phone and/or email the week of December 6 to schedule an interview.
How/When will I find out if I am accepted into the program?
Applicants will be notified by phone and/or email the week of December 20, 2010.
What if I am not chosen for this program?
Each applicant's contact information will be entered into a From the Top Arts Leadership database. We will notify you as more opportunities become available.
Do I need to provide my own transportation?
Yes. You will be responsible for transportation to and from all CAL-related events. All project sites will be located in Boston and will be accessible via public transportation.
Can this program count towards my school's Community Service Requirement?
Yes.
Can this program count towards course credit or an internship requirement?
Maybe. Requests will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please call Rosena Cornet, Education Program Coordinator, at 617-437-0707 x123 or rcornet@fromthetop.org.