MUSAIC seeks to build a connected world of musicians by leveraging NWS's technology, access to high-quality partner institutions and musicians, and NWS Fellows to create engaging, thoughtful content that helps developing musicians train for professional careers and classical music enthusiasts better understand the artist's perspective. MUSAIC's video catalog includes digital master classes, orchestral excerpt demonstrations, full performances, and in-depth discussions. The catalog features both live and static content. New features for the public launch include expanded live programming, a streamlined user experience, custom playlists curated by prominent teaching musicians, and improved search and browsing functionality.
The New World Symphony's nine MUSAIC Founding Partners are the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM); Curtis Institute of Music; Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester; Guildhall School of Music and Drama (London); Manhattan School of Music; the Royal Danish Academy of Music (RDAM); San Francisco Conservatory of Music; the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and the University of Southern California. Partners collaborate with the New World Symphony to capture, edit and provide video content, and as MUSAIC grows and evolves, the site will increasingly highlight the unique strengths of each institution.
"MUSAIC is a valuable resource for the aspiring orchestral musician," says John Kieser, NWS Executive Vice President and Provost. "No other site has aggregated this breadth and depth of content from so many leaders in the field. This is literally a one-stop shop for the best in performance practice, wellness, and reflections on this art. I encourage all musicians to explore and through that exploration, excel and engage."
Key features of MUSAIC include:
An easy-to-use, intuitive search, filter, and bookmarking system enables MUSAIC visitors to explore videos relevant to their areas of interest. MUSAIC launches with a catalog of more than 800 videos featuring over 200 artists, with much more to come.
The New World Symphony began work on MUSAIC in 2009, and the project is funded by The Kovner Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
About New World SymphonyA laboratory for the way music is taught, presented and experienced, the New World Symphony, under the artistic direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, consists of 87 young musicians who are granted fellowships lasting up to three years. Structured after the demands of a professional orchestra, the program offers in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire, professional development training, and personalized experiences working with leading guest conductors, soloists, and visiting faculty. Relationships with these artists are extended through NWS's pioneering experimentation with distance learning via the Internet.
NWS Fellows take advantage of the innovative performance facilities and state-of-the-art practice and ensemble rooms of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, the campus of the New World Symphony.
In the hopes of joining NWS, more than 1,500 recent music school and conservatory graduates compete for about 35 available fellowships each year. Fellows are selected for this highly competitive, prestigious opportunity based on their ability and their passion for the future of classical music.
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