The Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership today unveiled Polyphonic.org, a comprehensive website for professional orchestral musicians. The website is the first project of the Orchestra Musician Forum, created last year by the School thanks to the generous gift of philanthropist and Symphony Orchestra Institute founder Paul R. Judy.
Designed with the help of a panel of experts—professional musicians, industry consultants, music educators, publishers and more—Polyphonic.org is a comprehensive online resource offering a range of educational and informational services to help career musicians realize professional growth, personal fulfillment, job satisfaction and become effective stakeholders in their symphonies and musical arts organizations.
“It has become increasingly apparent that the artistic growth, personal fulfillment, career advancement and job satisfaction of orchestral musicians are highly interdependent with the artistry, robustness, adaptability, and sustainability of the organizations in which they are employees and central stakeholders ,” said James Undercofler, Dean, Eastman School of Music and Orchestra Musician Forum board member. “Polyphonic.org is one way we’re committed to offering the resources musicians need to be successful and making those resources accessible and relevant.”
Polyphonic.org includes news and feature articles written by editors and contributing writers as well as interviews—some in streaming video format—on topics such as professional development, entrepreneurship, the business of orchestras, and health and injury prevention.
Also found on the site are profiles of North American orchestras, daily news and opinion headlines from ArtsJournal.com and other musical arts-related sources, portals to other websites relating to the interests of orchestral musicians, as well as interactive features including virtual public discussions about issues musicians are facing, and the ability to contribute articles and comments.
Joining Undercofler on the Orchestra Musician Forum board are:
William Moyer — Former Boston Symphony Orchestra trombonist and Orchestra Personnel Manager (retired)
Joseph Polisi — President, Juilliard School of Music
David Stull — Dean, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Fred Zenone — Former cellist with the National Symphony and Past President and Director, Symphony Orchestra Institute (retired)
The Eastman School of Music educates talented musicians from around the world who become leaders and innovators in all fields of music. Established in 1921 by Eastman Kodak Company founder and visionary George Eastman, the School has achieved international prominence through its commitment to the highest standards of artistry, scholarship, and leadership. Eastman’s Institute for Music Leadership provides students, alumni, and professional musicians the broad education, specialized skills, and diversified experiences they will need—along with their exceptional musicianship—to become the new generation of musical and cultural leaders. The Institute’s emphasis is on developing and maximizing students’ leadership potential by providing exceptional opportunities for professional development, nurturing the creation of innovative ideas and programs, and bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds.
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