CAG’s Career Bootcamp

Our annual weekend workshop intensive for new roster artists that enables them to manifest a new definition of a professional musician: resilient citizen performers who engage with, respond to, and impact the world around them through music and service.

CAG supports outstanding young musicians and musical ambassadors who, through their music and entrepreneurial skills, create transformational change and inspire positive impact among broader audiences.

Sessions Include:

  • Self-knowledge and mission

  • Intentional programming

  • Education initiatives

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Marketing and digital strategy

  • Stage presence and public speaking

  • Stage Presence with Bridget Kibbey (Harpist, CAG '07)
    Programming with John Glover (Kaufman Music Center)
    Social Media & Digital Content with Dianna Mesion-Jackson (Kaufman Music Center)
    Career Building: Getting Re-Engaged with Tim Mar and Katie Backus (CAG)
    Budgeting with Todd Rullman (Goldman Sachs)
    Improvisation & Public Speaking with Cate Smit (Actor)
    Donor Engagement & Running a Non-Profit with Melissa Ngan (American Composers Orchestra)
    Media Training with Geoffrey John Davies (The Violin Channel)
    Community Engagement with Curtis Stewart (PUBLIQuartet - CAG '13 & American Composers Orchestra)

  • Education Workshop with Zuill Bailey (Grammy Award-winning cellist)
    Programming with Pedja Mužijević (Baryshnikov Arts Center & Tippet Rise)
    Creating a Sustainable Career with Katie Backus and Kate Barnes (CAG)
    Budgeting & Resumes with Todd Rullman (Goldman Sachs)
    Improvisation with Christa Scott-Reed (Actor, Director, & Producer)
    Digital Presence and Camera Work with Christa Scott-Reed
    Media & Interview Training with Geoffrey John Davies (The Violin Channel)
    Stage Presence with Heather Buck (CAG) and Monica Ellis (Imani Winds, CAG '01)

  • Education Workshop with Joan Behrens Bergman (Administrator & pianist) and Monica Ellis (Imani Winds, CAG '01)
    Telling Your Story & Concert Attire with Andrew Ousley (Unison Media) and Fay Leshner (Creative Director & Stylist)
    What it Means to be a Citizen Musician with Ed Yim (WQXR) and Monica Ellis
    Finances with Lisa Nuñez (Accountant)
    Designing a Residency with Chris Williams (CAG)
    Stage Presence with Christa Scott-Reed (Actor, Director, & Producer)

Eleni Katz, CAG roster bassoonist: Career Bootcamp was a transformative experience! A weekend of individual and collective discovery with the CAG artist roster through education seminars, artistic discussions, improv classes, several bonding experiences…So many dreams, ideas, and creative juices flowing from this group of minds.”

Ariel Horowitz, CAG roster violinist and founder of The Heartbeat Music Project: “Career Bootcamp transformed my idea of what goes into a successful twenty-first century musical career, reaching well beyond what I learned in conservatory training. Now, I have a more holistic sense of all I can do to make my dreams come true.”