CFA: What was your role in the internship? What were some of your responsibilities?

Grant: I was a stagehand primarily working with the Tanglewood Music Center Fellowship program and BU Tanglewood Institute (BUTI), as well as at the Seiji Ozawa Hall, a performance venue on campus. Responsibilities included: providing the necessary equipment for chamber music rehearsals, setting and managing rehearsals of full-size orchestras, working and producing three+ concerts and presentations weekly, as well as being the Lighting Director for Ozawa Hall and Lighting systems support for the Linde Center for Music and Learning.

CFA: How did you learn about the internship? What steps did you take to secure it?

Grant: I learned about the internship when a sales representative from 4Wall Entertainment, demoed new lighting fixtures in coordination with the School of Theatre Lighting Department. I reached out to the Technical Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra with my resume and references and was offered the role at Tanglewood.

CFA: Any notable accomplishments from the internship?

Grant: Designing for world-renowned musicians, connecting with active industry professionals, and developing a lasting connection with the Boston Symphony Orchestra!

CFA: Did any resources at CFA or BU help you prepare for the internship?

Grant: The amount of work I was doing in my classes was good preparation for the long hours and less time for sleep.

CFA: How did the coursework at CFA connect with your internship?

Grant: My understanding of computer drafting was helpful in the preparation work that needed to be done when a tour visited. The lighting programming I learned at BU was a great base for the programming I did for performances at differing venues.

CFA: In what ways do you think the internship has helped you prepare for your work beyond BU?

Grant: The internship gave me a real sense of how the industry functions and the real speed at which work happens. It also gave me great hands-on experience with working professionals in a space where my work was valued. Also, I made connections with the BSO as well as with visiting artists that I could take advantage of post-graduation.

CFA: What did you learn about yourself?

Grant: I learned to value my work at a higher level and that while some of the work might seem daunting, it is possible with the correct mindset. I also learned about the pace at which I like to work and how to balance my schedule.

CFA: Any advice for current CFA students beginning the internship process?

Grant: Value your work! The art industry is changing and as artists, we need to show how valuable we are, we shouldn’t be working for free. Also, apply to many places, I did not expect to be working for a classical music venue, but now I got an experience unlike one that will be taught in the CFA, so use the summer as a time to experiment and try all sorts of different work.

CFA: What’s next for you, Grant?

Grant: Now I’m back at school but hopefully will return to Tanglewood next year, possibly with more of a touring production focus or again as a stagehand.