Announcing the Artist in Residency Program

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce a new Artist in Residency program established by the Circle of Friends.

Beginning in Fall 2025, MSO musicians will be chosen to serve as Artists in Residency, or teaching artists, in elementary classrooms at charter and public schools.

The planning phase has just begun. A design team, composed of key leaders, experts and stakeholders, is being formed to develop the program’s curriculum the “Teach for America” model. Best practices from similar programs offered in other cities will also help inform the overall design.

Over the next few years, the Artist in Residency program will expand into new schools with the addition of more Artists in classrooms.

This is an exciting opportunity for the MSO and the Circle of Friends as it will offer musicians a new way to engage in community outreach and provide students with meaningful experiences through arts education, reinforcing that the power of music unites us all.

We are currently seeking sponsorships and gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund each Artist in Residency. 

To learn more about how you or your company can support this exciting new initiative, please contact Ellen Rolfes, Founding Trustee of the Circle of Friends at ellen@ellenrolfes.com or Emily Sharpe, MSO Corporate Relations, at emily.sharpe@memphissymphony.org