A Blue Ocean Strategy for the American Symphony Orchestra

The thesis that follows provides a history of symphony orchestras in America, and examines innovation opportunities and strategies that could be employed to attract a younger audience and return the institution to the heyday it once enjoyed. Drawing largely on the Blue Ocean strategy, I attempt to create a landscape wherein American symphony orchestras enjoy an environment with no competitors, instead residing in a blue ocean of uncontested market space. This topic was derived from my genuine interest in hearing orchestras play on, without the imminent threat of bankruptcy and a declining customer base.