Host a Guest Musician
We are looking for generous hosts to provide rooms for our guest musicians. Volunteer to provide accommodations for guest musicians while they are in town during concert weeks.
Apply to Host a Guest MusicianBenefits of Hosting a Guest Musician
Consider joining the many volunteers who have hosted visiting guest musicians throughout the years. Hosts enjoy connecting with well-educated, articulate guests from across the country and the world, learning more about Classical music, and getting the ‘inside scoop’ about performing from a professional musician.
Get to know some of the wonderful musicians that come to Charleston to bring you great music.
We bring over 250 guest musicians to the stage to supplement the Core 24 throughout the season. That means we need nearly 1,000 nights of housing!
Host only when it is convenient for you. There is no commitment to the hosting program.
Hosts tell us they enjoy performances more when they have personal connections with those on stage.
All you need to provide is a private bedroom — and a love of music!
Frequently Asked Questions
All we ask hosts to do is provide a private bedroom and a welcoming environment. Anything beyond that (ex: breakfast, dinner, kitchen access, or socializing) is entirely optional.
Most guest musician stays range from 1–5 nights, with the average being about 3 nights.
Not at all - there is no ongoing commitment. You can host only when it works for your schedule, and it’s perfectly fine to decline a request at any time. Whatever hosts are most comfortable with.
No. Transportation is not required. Musicians either have their own vehicles or transportation arrangements through the orchestra and fellow musicians.
Yes. Hosts receive advance notice of upcoming concert dates and can indicate which weekends or dates work best for them.
After completing a short survey, the CSO works to thoughtfully match musicians and hosts based on logistics, preferences, and personalities whenever possible. Oftentimes our hosts will host the same musicians every time and have developed friendships over the years.
Host families help provide nearly 1,000 nights of housing each season, allowing the CSO to bring exceptional musicians to Charleston while reducing travel costs for out of town musicians. The program directly supports the artistic quality of the orchestra and creates lasting connections between musicians and the community.
We hosted a young couple and their 2-year-old daughter for 4 days and by the end of the visit, their daughter was calling my husband PeePaw. It was really heartwarming.
- Beth Woods
The most surprising and rewarding aspect has been the genuine, personal connections we’ve formed. We weren’t sure what to expect, but we have found that every musician is unique—some are very private, while others are wonderfully open. It is a delight to learn about their lives, their journeys, and their incredible talent, often over a shared meal at our table.
- Rick and Linda Grimes
Opening my home had been truly beneficial to me in many ways. It keeps me connected to people and has enriched my life. We stay in touch even once the season is finished and I feel like I know their families as well.
- Edith HamanApply to Host a Musician
Your interest in hosting a musician means a great deal to us. All applications are reviewed and matched according to each musician's needs, so we're unable to guarantee placement for every host.
Thank you for being willing to support our guests in this meaningful way.
