NAAS Audition Intensives

The National Alliance for Audition Support's (NAAS) Audition Intensive offers a comprehensive experience, including mock auditions, lessons, masterclasses, and performance psychology training. This year’s intensive will take place June 3-5, 2026, at the New World Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

As part of our commitment to expanding access to high-quality audition preparation, we are introducing an exciting new feature: the Artist Faculty Sponsorship. Through this initiative, NAAS orchestra partners are playing a direct role in shaping the next generation of musicians by sponsoring faculty coaches for the intensive. We are proud to announce that the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and San Diego Symphony Orchestra will be supporting this effort by sending esteemed artist faculty to coach participants.

Additionally, faculty for woodwinds and brass will be provided by a premier band ensemble.

NAAS will provide flights (including cello or other large instrument costs if applicable), per diem, ground transportation to/from the airport, and shared accommodations for all NAAS Audition Intensive participants. To accommodate as many participants as possible, NAAS artists will be housed in double rooms at no cost to the participants. If there are medical pre-conditions that preclude you from sharing accommodations, you will be asked to provide documentation supporting the request for special accommodations.

Instruments Eligible to Apply: Violin, Viola, Flute, Bassoon, Trumpet, Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone, and Tuba.

 
 
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Application Information

Applications for the NAAS Online Audition Intensive are processed through our online Acceptd portal.

Applications are due March 30, 2026

For eligibility and application requirements, please review the information below.

 
 

2026 Faculty


Strings and Woodwinds

  • Violin: Jeff Thayer; Concertmaster, San Diego Symphony Orchestra

  • Viola: Meredith Kufchak; Principal Viola, Dallas Symphony Orchestra

  • Flute: Rhian Kenny; Principal Piccolo/Utility Flute, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

  • Bassoon: Martin Garcia; Associate Principal Bassoon, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Brass

  • Trumpet, Trombone, and Tuba faculty will be provided by a NAAS Orchestra Partner

  • “I saw immediate results in my auditions this year, which I credit largely to the feedback I received at SOPA and NAAS audition intensive.  I advanced at two out of the three auditions I took this fall, and made finals at the most recent one. This is something I had not achieved prior to my participation with NAAS. As a result of the feedback I received from SOPA and the NAAS Intensive, I made some small but significant changes to my process. I think that these changes are responsible for my improved audition results.”