Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen LA Phil Resident Fellows

The Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen LA Phil Resident Fellows program places early-career symphonic musicians inside the Los Angeles Philharmonic as paid members of the orchestra. Fellows perform with the orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel for at least 20 weeks of each season.

The LA Phil describes the program as excellence-based, for musicians who have demonstrated a commitment to access and inclusion of underserved populations in the arts, learning and civic leadership. Appointments run for up to three years.

Fellows play orchestral, chamber music, new music and education concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and in community settings, and can travel with the orchestra on tour. The stated purpose is to prepare them to compete for and win positions in major professional orchestras.

Benefits & funding

A weekly salary as a musician playing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
A fellowship stipend on top of the salary, covering additional living and housing expenses.
Life, health, dental, disability and instrument insurance.
Reimbursement for private lessons twice a month.
A travel stipend for reasonable audition travel.
Mentorship from an LA Phil musician, plus help preparing for auditions elsewhere.
The LA Phil does not publish the salary or stipend figures.

Eligibility

Early-career symphonic musicians playing violin, viola, cello, double bass, horn or percussion.
A bachelor’s degree.
A demonstrated commitment to access and inclusion of underserved populations in the arts, learning and civic leadership.
Eligibility to work in the United States; the LA Phil states that visa sponsorship is not offered. Any nationality holding that work authorization qualifies.
Candidates may already hold a position in another orchestra.
No age limit, gender requirement or minimum years of experience is published.

Can you apply?

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Education required
Bachelor

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Application process

1
Wait for a call: the LA Phil states there are no open auditions at this time, and posts one when a fellowship position becomes available.
2
Submit biographical information and a one-page resume with performance history.
3
Answer the short essay questions in the application.
4
Record and submit a prescreening video audition using the repertoire lists the LA Phil provides.
5
Advance through a screening and audition process led by musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel.
6
Send audition questions to auditions@laphil.org.

Program timeline

Auditions held for a Resident Fellow viola position in the program’s first cycle.
2019-07
Three new Resident Fellows joined the orchestra.
2023/24 season
Six Resident Fellows in residence.
2025/26 season
Current status
No open auditions; the LA Phil posts a call when a fellowship position opens.