How To Get Into The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Level Up Your Life: The Hilarious, High-Stakes Guide to Joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (aka The Big Leagues)
Hey, future Maestro! So, you’ve got the guts, the glory, and probably some seriously gnarly calluses on your fingers. You're not just dreaming of playing your instrument; you're dreaming of playing it in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), one of the raddest, most epic orchestras on the whole dang planet. That’s like wanting to be a superhero, but your superpower is making Bach sound like a fireworks show. Totally epic.
This is not a walk in the park. This is more like a full-blown musical triathlon, except instead of running, swimming, and biking, you're practicing, practicing, and oh yeah, practicing some more. Ready to level up? Let’s dive into the deep end, fam!
Step 1: Become a Musical Monster (The Good Kind)
Before you can even sniff the air in Orchestra Hall, you need to be seriously, unbelievably good. Like, your practice room needs to smell like success and maybe a little bit like old rosin.
1.1 Master Your Instrument (No Cap)
Practice, Practice, Practice: This is not your algebra homework you can "wing." We're talking hours. Every. Single. Day. Think of your instrument as your main squeeze (that's slang for your significant other, but way cooler). You need to spend quality time with it. Seriously, don't skimp.
The Vibe Check: You gotta have that tone. The sound you make has to be richer than a chocolate fountain and clearer than a newly washed window. Judges listen for quality, control, and that special something that makes them go, "Woah, who is this kid?"
Technique is Key: Your fingers (or your lips, or your arms) need to move faster and more accurately than a cheetah chasing a laser pointer. Scales, arpeggios, studies—these might be boring, but they are your secret weapons. Get them locked down.
1.2 Get a Sensei (A Super-Pro Teacher)
You can't do this solo. You need a guide, a Yoda, a musical sensei who has been there, done that, and probably has a T-shirt. Find the best teacher you can who specializes in your instrument and knows the orchestral scene. They will drop the real knowledge bombs you need.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
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| How To Get Into The Chicago Symphony Orchestra |
Step 2: Schooling and Side Quests (The Grind)
The CSO rarely hires someone straight out of middle school (shocking, I know!). They look for players who have crushed it in super intense music schools, conservatories, or college programs.
2.1 Higher Ed is the Move
You’ll eventually need to hit up a top-tier music school. Think Juilliard, Curtis, New England Conservatory, or similar places where everyone is a musical superstar.
Prep Like a Boss: While you're still young, aim to get into prestigious youth orchestras like the Civic Orchestra of Chicago (The CSO's training orchestra for emerging pros!) or the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO). This is like playing in the minor leagues before the majors. It shows the pros you're serious and not just playing for giggles. Plus, the experience is priceless.
Network Your Face Off: This isn't about giving high-fives. It's about meeting people. Play in masterclasses, attend summer festivals, and make connections with professional musicians. The classical music world is smaller than you think.
2.2 Practice the Orchestral "Excerpts"
This is the big brain stuff. When you audition for a major orchestra, you don't play a whole concerto. You play excerpts—tiny, super-hard snippets from famous orchestral pieces that show off all the tricky bits for your instrument.
The CSO's Hit List: Every orchestra has its standard list of "must-play" excerpts. For violins, think snippets from Brahms' or Mozart's Symphonies. For brass, maybe a tough call from Strauss. You need to know these better than your own social media feed. They need to be flawless.
Audition Survival: You are playing these excerpts for a super-secret committee of CSO musicians sitting behind a screen (so they can’t see you and judge your cute outfit, only your playing). They are listening for perfection. No messy moments allowed!
Step 3: The Audition Gauntlet (Go Time!)
Okay, deep breaths. This is where the rubber meets the road. The CSO only has auditions when a seat opens up (which is, like, never). When they do, the competition is brutal.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
3.1 Find the Vacancy (It's a Rarity)
Keep an eagle eye on the CSO's official website. They will post job openings when a musician retires or moves on. This is like finding a legendary Pok�mon—it doesn't happen often!
3.2 Apply, Apply, Apply (Don't Be Shy)
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When a spot opens, you need to send in your resume (a super detailed list of your musical accomplishments) and often a recorded preliminary audition video. Make sure your resume is stacked with impressive stuff and your video is top-notch.
Follow the Rules: They have super strict application deadlines and specific requirements. Miss a deadline? Big fail. Forget an excerpt? Automatic 'See Ya!'" Read the instructions like they are a treasure map to eternal glory.
3.3 Live Audition (The Final Boss)
If your recording slays, you get invited to Chicago for the final, live rounds. This is where you face the screen.
Walk in with Swag: Be confident, but not cocky. You have to nail the performance. Your nerves will be screaming, but you need to pretend they are just a tiny little squeaky mouse. Tune 'em out.
Sight-Reading: The Curveball: They will likely throw some music at you that you've never seen before and tell you to play it. This is sight-reading, and it tests how fast your brain and fingers work together. Practice this skill religiously!
Step 4: Waiting and Winning (The Aftermath)
After you play your heart out, you go home and wait. And wait. And probably eat a lot of snacks.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
4.1 The Results:
If you get the job, YOU ARE LEGIT! You've just become one of the most elite musicians in the world. Get ready for a life of amazing music, super-long rehearsals, and maybe getting to hang out with some cool conductors.
4.2 Don't Win? It's Fine, Man:
Seriously, 99.9% of people who audition don't win. It’s a numbers game. You might be an amazing player, but someone else was just a fraction better that day, or maybe they just needed a slightly different style. Don't sweat it. You've got options:
Associate/Substitute List: You might get asked to be on the CSO's substitute list, meaning you fill in when a regular musician is sick or busy. This is still huge and is a major foot in the door.
Civic Orchestra of Chicago: This is the CSO's training ground for pros. If you're 18+ and have a high school diploma, this program is the ultimate way to train for the major league auditions.
Keep practicing, keep hustling, and never stop loving the music. That’s the real secret sauce, for real.
FAQ: Your Quick-Fire Questions Answered
How to Start Playing an Instrument for the CSO? Start young, get private lessons immediately, and pick a great teacher. The sooner you start taking it seriously, the better.
How to Know If I'm Good Enough to Audition? If your current teacher is suggesting you go to top conservatories and you are consistently winning regional/state competitions, you're likely on the right track.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
How to Get Experience Before the CSO? Join your school orchestra, a local youth symphony (like CYSO), attend summer music camps, and aim for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago as an 18+ stepping stone.
How to Find Out When the CSO Has Openings? Check the "Auditions" or "Employment" section on the official Chicago Symphony Orchestra website (cso.org). Openings are rare and publicized there.
How to Get an Audition Spot if I'm Not Famous? The initial rounds are typically "blind" (the committee is behind a screen), so your playing, not your name, is what matters. Fill out the application form completely and submit your required materials.
How to Prepare for the Audition Excerpts? Get the standard orchestral excerpt books for your instrument and practice the required pieces slowly until they are technically perfect, then work on adding musicality.
How to Deal with Audition Nerves? Practice performing in front of friends, family, and even empty rooms. The more you perform, the less scary the actual audition will feel. Also, deep breathing is your friend!
How to Join the Civic Orchestra of Chicago? Check the Civic Orchestra's page on the CSO website. Applicants generally need to be 18 or older with a high school diploma and must pass a competitive video and live audition.
How to Get Into a Top Music School? Score high on your required solo piece, orchestral excerpts, and be prepared for theory and ear training tests. Your private teacher’s recommendation is also clutch.
How to Practice Sight-Reading for the Audition? Play new music every day. Get books of chamber music or new orchestral parts and force yourself to play them accurately the first time. It's a skill you build over time.
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