<![CDATA[TIGRAN ARAKELYAN - conductor official website - Blog]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:06:41 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Embracing Opportunities Through Sacrifice and Challenge (Post 5/15)]]>Sat, 23 Nov 2024 21:10:40 GMThttps://www.tigranarakelyan.com/blog/embracing-opportunities-through-sacrifice-and-challengeEmbracing Opportunities Through Sacrifice and Challenge (Post 5/15)
​Year 2013-2014
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In the summer of 2013, I completed my third and final year as a Senior Conducting Fellow with the California Philharmonic. Following this, I was accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Washington on a full scholarship. I was happy to be in a familiar city that immediately opened up non-school-related conducting opportunities.

Upon learning of my acceptance, I began exploring conducting opportunities in the Seattle area. On LinkedIn, I saw an announcement for the Music Director position with the Whidbey Island Orchestra. The island is approximately a 30-60 minute drive from the UW campus to the ferry, followed by a 15-minute ferry ride. I decided to apply, was invited to audition, and subsequently accepted the position. Rehearsals for the orchestra started prior to the beginning of the academic year at the University of Washington. I spent two wonderful years with the orchestra, which gave me an opportunity to try out ideas I had envisioned. During my first year as Music Director, I initiated a young composer competition, collaborated with a visual artist, spoke at the local library, and established a connection with the local paper to ensure all our concerts received coverage.
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As things got started at the university, I was contacted by the Music Director of the Bellingham Symphony to take a position as Assistant Conductor of the orchestra.
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In April 2014, as the season was coming to an end, I heard from the Executive Director of the Federal Way Youth Orchestra. After applying, meeting, and discussing a vision for this new and ambitious youth organization, I accepted the Music Director position. We went on a fantastic tour from Seoul to Busan in August 2014.

While much of what I have shared is positive, it's important to understand the sacrifices, rejections, failures, mistakes, doubts, and risks that accompany success at any level. Relocating for an opportunity comes alongside sacrificing relationships, friendships, family, established connections, comfort, and even mental and physical health. Balancing personal time, work, and education became a significant challenge for me, leaving me with very little time to reflect and refuel. Additionally, I managed doctoral classes, graduate assistant work for the orchestra program, and participated in a festival before my Korea tour. In the future, I will share more about this topic in a separate post.

March 2014 Concert Coverage
May 2014 Concert Coverage

Tigran Arakelyan, conductor, orchestra, Whidbey island, symphony, federal way, University of Washington, Korea, California Philharmonic, young composer
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First rehearsal in Seoul, South Korea (2014).
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First doctoral concert at the University of Washington
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Concert in South Korea (2014) with the Federal Way Youth Symphony
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Library presentation for the Whidbey Island Orchestra
]]><![CDATA[Collaborating and Creating Opportunities: From Youth Orchestras to Jazz Ensembles (Post 4/15)]]>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 01:57:06 GMThttps://www.tigranarakelyan.com/blog/collaborating-and-creating-opportunities-from-youth-orchestras-to-jazz-ensemblesCollaborating and Creating Opportunities: From Youth Orchestras to Jazz Ensembles (Post 4/15)
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The year (2012-2013) began with a wonderful opportunity to work as an assistant with the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra. This role provided me with invaluable experience in conducting the orchestra and learning the behind-the-scenes operations of a top youth orchestra.
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I collaborated with talented jazz musicians and conducted various ensembles in multiple performances at the Blue Whale, a renowned jazz venue in Los Angeles.

I continued my fellowship with the California Philharmonic for a second season and my involvement with the youth orchestras at Lark Musical Society and Northridge Youth Orchestra. Additionally, I conducted two master's composition recitals for colleagues alongside other new compositions. I graduated with a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting.

Overall, the two years in the Los Angeles area provided me with abundant opportunities to conduct numerous orchestras and learn not just about conducting but also the administrative work it takes to operate these organizations. 

While small-town colleges have their advantages, I firmly believe that attending graduate school in a larger city offers greater opportunities for career advancement. It's crucial to understand that, as a graduate student, you may be presented with opportunities, but you must take responsibility, be proactive, and ultimately create these opportunities for yourself.

Tigran Arakelyan, conductor, orchestra, symphony, Armenian, American,
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Conducting a jazz ensemble at Blue Whale in Los Angeles
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Conducting the California State University Northridge Symphony
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