NYC Gazette

Juilliard, a leading institution in performing arts education, continues to cultivate exceptional talent not only on stage but also behind the scenes. The Professional Apprentice Program, initially launched as an internship program in 1977, has become a hub for hands-on learning and personal development. Over the years, it has adapted to include fresh perspectives and broaden its impact.

This year, the program welcomed 36 apprentices. Their roles spanned traditional administrative and technical theater positions as well as new ones, such as work in the equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) and creative enterprise offices.

The Professional Apprentice Program is dedicated to nurturing the artists and leaders of tomorrow. The institution takes pride in the achievements of its alumni and remains committed to inspiring each cohort of apprentices on their artistic journeys.

The orchestral studies office at Juilliard has been a long-term collaborator with the apprentice program. Graduates from this partnership continue to make significant strides in their careers—several have found their niche at Juilliard itself. Here are some accomplishments of orchestra management apprentice alumni over the past decade:

- Geoffrey Devereux: Perlman Music Program, program manager

- Kelly Edwards: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, director of operations

- Francesca Ferrara: Orchestra of St. Luke’s, manager of special events and membership

- Jennifer Guzman: Dallas Symphony Orchestra, director of education

- Justin Kang: New World Symphony, assistant orchestra and musician advancement manager

- Cassandra Mueller: New World Symphony, director of artistic planning

- Sarah Thrall: Lexington Philharmonic, director of artistic operations

- Nolan Welch: Boston Symphony Orchestra, orchestra personnel manager

- Deirdre DeStefano Wongkittiroch: Pre-College performance activities manager

- Megan Zhang: Preparatory Division administrative manager