NIMAN: Building Pathways to Success

In the fall of 2018, more than two dozen volunteers gathered in various work groups to develop a revolutionary network to address inequalities in the orchestral environment. What emerged was the National Instrument Mentoring and Advancement Network (NIMAN), a new national initiative whose purpose is to create a level playing field for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) classical music instrumentalists in the United States. The CSO and Play On Philly agreed to serve as incubators for NIMAN by providing startup support and resources to establish a strong foundation for the sustainability of NIMAN’s initiatives and organizational success.

NIMAN, as a membership-based network, will develop a coalition of diverse professionals and organizations from around the country to align, promote and help develop equitable opportunities and inclusive environments to advance BIPOC instrumentalists—underrepresented ethnicities in particular—to thrive in the field.

NIMAN will act as a connector, convener and facilitator for music organizations and BIPOC classical musicians in two fundamental ways: • To build a bridge of support, mentorship and training for aspiring BIPOC musicians for navigating the journey from student to professional. NIMAN will assist in matching

BIPOC musicians with advancement opportunities and mentors. NIMAN will also assist organizations in cultivating relationships with prospective musicians from underrepresented ethnicities in classical music. • To provide forums, resources and trainings to member organizations on dismantling the structural inequities, biases and systemic racism that are ingrained in organizational policies and practices.

One of NIMAN’s first initiatives, in partnership with 13 of the country’s finest summer camps and festivals, created a first-of-its-kind common application that allows NIMAN students to apply to any partner programs for which they are eligible through one application and audition.

In the spring of 2023, the CSO will host the first annual Pathways Festival, which will convene all member organizations for discussions on the national pathways network, funding, sustainability, and strategies that will continue to foster equitable opportunities.

For more, visit niman.org.

2019 NIMAN Convening Participants. Credit: Mark Lyons