A gifted violinist with an insatiable curiosity for the inner workings of orchestras, Lily Milkis has redefined what it means to blend artistic talent with business acumen. Through her academic pursuits and professional experiences, she has crafted a unique career trajectory that not only showcases her musical prowess but also highlights her knack for operational excellence. Her journey exemplifies how interdisciplinary learning can unlock new possibilities in the arts.

Unlock Your Potential by Bridging Art and Business

Forging a Unique Path in Music Education

From the moment Lily Milkis stepped into the world of music education, her aspirations extended far beyond teaching string instruments. Immersed in the vibrant environment of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, she discovered an affinity not just for performance but also for the meticulous behind-the-scenes work that orchestrates the magic of live performances. This revelation led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree with an outside field in business—a decision that would prove pivotal in shaping her future.The program allowed her to integrate business principles into her musical studies, revealing unexpected synergies between these two domains. "It completely transformed my perspective," Milkis reflects. "Music isn't confined to performance or education—it intersects with countless other fields." This newfound awareness fueled her curiosity, prompting her to delve deeper into the operations side of orchestral management.Her exploration began during her tenure as a student orchestra manager at the college. Here, she honed essential skills such as scheduling, attendance tracking, and logistical planning, all while maintaining her role as a violinist within the ensembles. These responsibilities provided invaluable hands-on experience, equipping her with the confidence needed to tackle more complex challenges in the industry.

Mastering Operations at Prestigious Venues

Milkis's dedication to mastering orchestral operations was further solidified through her summer internship at the Aspen Music Festival and School, one of the most renowned orchestra festivals globally. As an operations assistant, she navigated the intricate demands of coordinating seating auditions, organizing student recitals, and overseeing logistics for six major concerts. The fast-paced festival setting pushed her to refine her organizational abilities under pressure, preparing her for the rigors of professional life."Being part of Aspen was transformative," Milkis notes. "It wasn't just about executing tasks; it was about understanding how every detail contributes to the success of the whole production." Her contributions were recognized by her supervisors, who praised her ability to seamlessly integrate into their team despite the demanding workload.This experience complemented her earlier work with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, where she had already gained foundational knowledge in managing auditions and handling performance logistics. By leveraging these transferable skills, Milkis demonstrated her adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities that set her apart from peers vying for similar opportunities.

Inspiring Mentorship Across Disciplines

Throughout her academic journey, Milkis encountered mentors who played instrumental roles in guiding her development. Ho-Yin Kwok, director of orchestras at the college, witnessed firsthand her exceptional work ethic and leadership capabilities. "Lily is indispensable," Kwok emphasizes. "Her calm demeanor and unwavering confidence make her an ideal candidate for any high-pressure role."Beyond the confines of the music school, Milkis found an unexpected advocate in Ted Galanthay, associate professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics. Having observed her diligence in his business statistics class, Galanthay became a staunch supporter of her endeavors. He nominated her for the prestigious Presidential Scholar Award, making her the first music major in years to receive this honor.Galanthay attributes her achievements to her relentless drive and commitment. "Lily embodies the kind of character that inspires trust and respect," he explains. "She sees challenges as opportunities and approaches them with determination." Such traits have undoubtedly contributed to her growing reputation as a leader in the field of orchestral operations.

Advancing Accessibility in Classical Music

For Milkis, the pursuit of excellence extends beyond personal achievement—it encompasses a broader mission to democratize access to classical music. As treasurer for the American String Teachers Association at IC, she implemented administrative strategies aimed at expanding educational opportunities for students. Additionally, her presidency of the college’s violin studio student organization enabled her to coordinate guest artist visits and master classes, fostering meaningful connections between students and industry professionals.Her passion for accessibility is deeply rooted in her own experiences. Born with a cleft lip, Milkis has long been involved with Smile Train, a nonprofit dedicated to providing cleft lip and palate care worldwide. Leveraging her background in music, she devised innovative fundraising campaigns, including curating classical music playlists to raise awareness and donations. "Music has the power to transcend barriers," she asserts. "By combining it with philanthropy, we can create lasting impact."

Visionary Leadership in Orchestral Operations

Looking ahead, Milkis plans to return to Aspen for another season, building upon the expertise she has cultivated thus far. Her confidence in pursuing a career that harmonizes her love for music with her operational skills stems from the diverse experiences she has amassed throughout her education. "I've learned that success isn't about sticking to a single path," she says. "It's about embracing opportunities and finding creative solutions."Reflecting on her journey, Kwok describes Milkis as the epitome of what Ithaca College strives to produce—students who leverage available resources to forge their own paths. Meanwhile, Galanthay remains confident in her potential to continue influencing the landscape of orchestral operations. "Trust yourself," he advises her. "Your vision and dedication will lead you to greatness."