NEXTGen Musician Fellowship
Grades 9-12
Where Teen Artistry Meets Leadership and Advocacy
Are you a passionate high school musician ready to make your voice heard on stage and beyond?
NEXTGen Musician is a paid, citywide youth fellowship that brings together talented high school musicians (ages 14–18) from across NYC to grow as artists, leaders, and advocates for change.
Launched in 2021, this one-of-a-kind program supports students in developing their musical voice while building the confidence and communication skills to speak up on the issues that matter most to them. Through mentorship with professional musicians and leaders across arts, tech, law, culture, government, and finance, students explore how their creativity can drive real impact.
Deadline is October 24th!
Program Overview
Participants will benefit from:
$500 Program Stipend
Weekly 1:1 Private Music Lessons
Masterclasses & Creative Workshops with renowned teaching artists
Career Labs in public speaking, grassroots organizing, and arts policy
Career & College Readiness: audition prep, portfolio building, interview skills, and guidance on conservatory and non-conservatory pathways
Workforce Development: meet professionals across industries, gain access to internships, job shadowing, and mentorship opportunities
Cultural Excursions across NYC (museums, concerts, community events)
Capstone Project: Create and present an Arts Advocacy Campaign to community leaders and decision-makers
Program Details
Program Dates: January 12, 2026 to late May 2026
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours/week
(Mondays 5:30–7:30 PM + occasional evening/weekend events)
Format: Hybrid (in-person & virtual sessions)
Who Should Apply? High school musicians (ages 14–18) from across NYC who are:
Excited to grow as performers and leaders
Passionate about using music for self-expression and social change
Ready to collaborate with a diverse, supportive cohort of peers
Application Timeline for 2025–26
Applications Open: September 3 – October 24
Application Review: October 25 – November 1
Notification of Status: Early November
For educators
Do you know a student who would be a great fit for NEXTGen? We welcome nominations from music teachers, counselors, and community leaders who want to help empower the next generation of creative changemakers.
Questions?
Reach out to Jennifer Dayton at jdayton@midoriandfriends.org.
NEXTGen Musician is supported, in part by
AEO Foundation
Roberta A. Conroy
Laura B. Vogler Foundation
Morgan Stanley
Pamela & Richard Rubinstein Foundation