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)

Throughout the season, we continue to support our artists with regular professional development calls over Zoom. We invite expert guests to speak about a range of topics from budgeting and tax preparation to working with children or neurodivergent audiences. These ongoing conversations ensure that the skills and connections built at Bootcamp are reinforced and expanded year-round, while fostering a sense of shared learning and community within the roster.

Below, explore our 26-27 roster calls with more to be added throughout the year:

Professional Development Roster Calls

Masterclasses & Managing Teaching Studios
Jordan Bak
Manhattan School of Music and NYU Steinhardt faculty, CAG '19

Authenticity, Leadership, and Career Ownership
Andre Dowell
Chief Programming Officer, Sphinx Organization

- Working with Neurodivergent Audiences
  Ryan Gardner, Artistic Director, Music for Autism
- Budgeting & Tax Preparation
  Lisa Nuñez, CPA
- Organization and System Building for Musicians
  Angela Bae, violin, Balourdet Quartet, CAG ‘21
- Insights from an Artist Manager
  Felipe Nieto
  Vice President, Arts Management Group
- Engaging Young Audiences
  Mitch Lyon, cello
  Empire Wild, CAG ‘20
- Funding Your Artistic Projects
  Kevin Kwan Loucks
  CEO, Chamber Music America
- Applying to Teaching Positions
  Jiji, guitar
  Assoc. Guitar Professor, Indiana University & CAG ‘16
  Svet Stoyanov, percussion
  Assoc. Percussion Professor, University of Miami & CAG ‘03
- Branding, Marketing, and Publicity
  Amanda Sweet
  Founder & President, Bucklesweet

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.”