Three free online sessions put aspiring musicians face-to-face with principal players from one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras.
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, October 13, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Lessonface has unveiled the lineup for its 2026–27 masterclass season with The MET Orchestra Musicians, bringing back the free, live online format that has drawn participants from around the globe. This year’s roster features Principal Harp Hannah Cope, Principal Oboe John Upton, and Assistant Concertmaster Bruno Eicher, each leading a session open to viewers and performers alike.
The masterclasses are designed to offer a rare window into the craft of orchestral performance at the highest level. Each live broadcast includes performances, real-time coaching for emerging musicians, and a Q&A segment, giving both players and classical music fans a chance to hear how professionals approach technique, interpretation, and the demands of a career on the stage.
Since the program’s inception in August 2020, Lessonface has staged 38 free online masterclasses, showcasing more than 50 MET Orchestra musicians. Over 100 performers have received individual coaching through the series, with attendees hailing from across the United States and Puerto Rico, plus Canada and 10 additional countries spanning Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
The previous season, 2025–26, brought masterclasses from Associate Principal Second Violin Sylvia Danburg Volpe, Third Horn Javier Gándara, and Principal Cello Rafael Figueroa. Their sessions featured student performers from leading pre-college and college conservatories, as well as recent graduates stepping into professional life. Repertoire ranged from cello works by Cassadó, Piatti, and Dvořák to orchestral horn excerpts from Berlioz, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Strauss, alongside solo horn pieces by Saint-Saëns and Strauss and violin concertos from Bruch, Mendelssohn, and Mozart.
For those who missed earlier sessions, videos of every past masterclass remain available at no cost on the Lessonface website.
The MET Orchestra, founded in 1883, has long been recognized for its work with The Metropolitan Opera, its symphonic and chamber performances at Carnegie Hall, and its international touring and outreach efforts. The partnership with Lessonface extends that legacy, letting orchestra members share their knowledge with a global audience through live online programming.
All 2026–27 masterclasses are free to watch, and performers face no application fee. Musicians chosen to play will also participate at no cost, removing financial barriers to access.
Those interested in applying to perform or simply registering to watch can visit lessonface.com/metorchestramusicians.
Application Information
Aspiring performers must submit an application along with an audition video before the deadline for their chosen instrument:
– Harp: September 27, 2026, for the October 25, 2026 live masterclass
– Oboe: December 13, 2026, for the January 31, 2027 live masterclass
– Violin: April 25, 2027, for the May 23, 2027 live masterclass
There is no application fee, and selected performers join at no charge. A third-party adjudicator will review audition videos and choose participants, ensuring that MET Orchestra Musicians are not involved in the selection process.
Full application guidelines are available on the Lessonface MET Orchestra Musicians page. Lessonface's terms and privacy policy also apply.
About Lessonface
Lessonface operates as an online learning platform connecting students with teachers and professional artists for live, personalized instruction. Its offerings include one-on-one lessons, group classes, workshops, and special events, enabling learners of all ages and skill levels to find instructors worldwide.
About The MET Orchestra Musicians
The MET Orchestra Musicians are the members of the orchestra of The Metropolitan Opera. Since 1883, The MET Orchestra has collaborated with the world's leading opera singers and conductors, presenting symphonic, chamber, touring, and educational programs that reach far beyond the opera house.
Claire Cunningham
Lessonface
+1 800-211-7058
support@lessonface.com
Why it matters
This series keeps a direct line open between top-tier orchestral professionals and the next generation of musicians, regardless of geography or financial means. With no fees and global reach, it democratizes access to mentorship that would otherwise be out of reach for many aspiring players.
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