Is This Program for Me?

The Choral Executive Leadership Academy focuses on developing and unlocking the abilities that every participant possesses and provides training to enhance and hone these existing leadership talents. We welcome participants from artistic, academic, and other backgrounds. Formal administrative experience is beneficial but not required. If you are interested in a career that includes executive leadership in the choral field and would benefit from the specific focus of the Leadership Academy, this program is for you. 

Program Elements

The Leadership Academy blends several modes of engagement to form a robust, immersive program that accelerates the career development of emerging leaders, prioritizing emerging leaders who have been marginalized by race and ethnicity.

• Online learning on core adminstrative topics, in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, with guidance from expert faculty
• Working with a mentor for additional support and connections in the field
• Creating a personalized professional development plan in collaboration with faculty, to aid next steps towards your career goals after the program's conclusion
• Special convening events, including:
  • In-person kickoff at the Chorus America Conference (In-person attendance required, complimentary Conference registration offered to participants)
  • Closing gathering online

Curriculum

The Leadership Academy curriculum, based on the “Leaders of Promise” program developed by faculty member Arreon Harley-Emerson, focuses on building skillsets that help emerging choral professionals become C-suite leaders - including, but not limited to:

• Human resources and managing staff
• Fundraising and development
• Strategic planning and thinking
• Budget planning
• Governance
• Navigating and leading in predominantly White spaces

Schedule Outline

•  June 4, 2025:  In-person program kickoff at Chorus America Conference in St. Louis, MO (In-Person Attendance Required)
• June-August:  Online programming, including weekly synchronous classes and check-ins. Synchronous classes will be held Wednesdays from 2:30pm - 5:00pm Eastern Time
• August 13 and 14, 2025:  Virtual closing presentations and gathering