SCORE

Private Lesson & Mentorship Program

About SCORE
SCORE (Seattle Collaborative Orchestra Representation & Elevation) is a private lesson and mentorship program created by the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra to support talented young musicians from underrepresented backgrounds by providing access to high-quality musical instruction, mentorship, and meaningful performance opportunities.

SCORE is rooted in the mission of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra: to diversify the symphonic concert stage by creating pathways for emerging musicians through education, mentorship, and collaborative performance. By investing in young musicians early, SCORE seeks to expand who has access to orchestral music and who will shape its future.

SCORE Mission
The mission of SCORE is to increase diversity and representation within symphonic classical music by supporting talented young musicians through high-level instruction, mentorship, and community engagement.

We believe that expanding access to music education is essential to building a more inclusive and vibrant orchestral future.

Program Purpose
Addressing the lack of diversity in classical music begins with early music education. SCORE provides pathways for students who demonstrate curiosity, commitment, and musical potential to receive professional-level guidance and meaningful opportunities within the classical music community.

Through instruction, mentorship, and performance, SCORE empowers students to grow not only as musicians but also as confident and engaged members of their communities.

Program Goals

1. Support Underrepresented Musicians
   Identify and mentor students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in symphonic music, including those affected by barriers related to race, gender, socioeconomic background, neurodiversity, physical ability, and access to music education.

2. Provide Access to Professional Instruction
   Offer high-quality private lessons and mentorship with professional musicians, helping students develop strong technical skills and musical artistry while preparing them for participation in middle school, high school, and advanced youth ensembles.

3. Build Community Through Music
   Encourage students to engage with their communities through performance and outreach opportunities, including concerts in community spaces such as churches, retirement homes, and house concerts.

   Students may also participate in activities that deepen their understanding of music, such as meeting composers, writing program notes, and speaking about their musical experiences.

4. Center Diverse Musical Voices
   Expose students to a wide range of composers and musical traditions, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented within the music they study and perform.

Student Development Outcomes

Through participation in SCORE, students develop:

• Strong musical foundations through individualized instruction

• Confidence through goal setting, performance, and mentorship

• Creativity and self-expression through musical exploration

• Collaboration and teamwork through ensemble experiences

• Critical listening and problem-solving skills

• Lifelong engagement with music and the arts

Music education has also been shown to support academic achievement, improve focus and memory, and strengthen emotional well-being.

Our Vision

SCORE aims to nurture the next generation of musicians, leaders, educators, and audiences who will shape the future of classical music.

By investing in young musicians today, we help ensure that tomorrow’s orchestras better reflect the full diversity, talent, and creativity of our communities.