Music Academy of the West Names Nicholas Walls as Chief Advancement Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2025 (Santa Barbara, CA) — The Music Academy of the West is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Walls as Chief Advancement Officer. He brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and strategic fundraising, having led transformative donor engagement initiatives with the Seattle Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Seattle Opera. Beginning on March 31, Walls will lead the Academy’s advancement efforts to support its mission of training the next generation of great musicians and engaging the community through innovative musical experiences.
We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas to our leadership team. His deep expertise in philanthropy, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising will be invaluable in advancing the Academy’s vision for the future and ensuring the success of our programs and initiatives
In this role, Walls will drive philanthropic efforts and ensure financial sustainability by developing strategic revenue streams, cultivating major gift donors, and expanding the Academy’s community of philanthropic leaders.
I am honored to join the Music Academy of the West and to contribute to its legacy of excellence in music education and performance. I look forward to partnering with Shauna, the Board, and the Academy’s dedicated supporters to build meaningful relationships and secure the resources that will sustain and grow this institution’s extraordinary impact.
About Nicholas Walls
Nicholas Walls is a seasoned philanthropy professional with an extensive track record in donor engagement and major gift fundraising. As Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Seattle Symphony, he led an $8.5 million+ annual individual giving program, securing transformational contributions, including a $3 million major gift and a $2.5 million capital campaign commitment. His leadership resulted in significant revenue growth across multiple seasons.
Prior to his tenure in Seattle, Walls served as Director of Major Gifts at The Philadelphia Orchestra, where he managed a portfolio of over 100 donor households and growing revenue from major donors and securing funding for key education programs from individuals, families, and foundations. His expertise spans major donor pipeline development, board engagement, and data-driven fundraising strategies.
Walls began his career in development with Seattle Opera and The Metropolitan Opera Guild, honing his skills in donor research, patron engagement, and community outreach. A dedicated advocate for the arts, he currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Ensemble Mise-En in New York City.
Walls holds a Master of Music from Mannes College The New School for Music and a Bachelor of Music from UC Santa Barbara. Nicholas is excited to reconnect with the Santa Barbara community and advance the Music Academy’s mission.
About the Music Academy of the West
The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to provide classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. We support musicians to expand their talents, inspire each other, and pursue artistic innovation.
Since 1947, the Music Academy of the West has flourished on its Miraflores campus in Montecito. Programs include its internationally renowned eight-week Summer Music Festival & School which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18-34 from across the globe, presenting more than 120 performances and events, competitions, and a fully staged opera. During the year, the Music Academy provides free music education to students grades 1-8 through its Sing! Program, a children’s choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and produces the year-round Mariposa Concert Series featuring performances by Academy-affiliated artists. Learn more at musicacademy.org.
Press Contacts
Kerry Allen
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Music Academy of the West
kallen@musicacademy.org
805‐895-9491
Kate Oberjat
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Music Academy of the West
koberjat@musicacademy.org
805‐895-7908
