“It is vital that pathways programs continue to exist as they act as great equalizers that help give those the same and equal opportunity that others may already have. This will help to level the playing field, and truly ensure that no talent is being missed in the meritocracy of this industry.”
Dillon Scott (Viola 22)
Curtis Institute of Music
“PMAY gave me the most thorough preparation for each intricate step that goes into a successful college admission process. I was able to be not only prepared musically for my auditions, but I also gained the necessary skills to network, manage my time, advocate for diversity, and create goals for my future.”
Chloe Hyun (Violin 23)
Eastman School of Music
“A big obstacle I had to overcome was wondering if I was good enough to pursue music seriously. Balancing school with rehearsals and practice sometimes felt overwhelming. However, PMAY helped me push through it all. One of my biggest successes was getting accepted into a strong college music program and making it through my freshman year in college.”
Lucas Lauprasert (Viola 24)
Peabody Institute of Music
The Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) Artists’ Initiative...
(pronounced p-may) supports and prepares 5th-12th graders particularly from communities that are historically excluded in classical music and those who encounter hardships to realize their musical potential and ultimately pursue their dreams of becoming professional musicians.
The PMAY Artists’ Initiative offers students financial support to make lessons, music classes, youth orchestra participation, and summer music camps affordable. Students will be able to attend free college and career preparation workshops, and PMAY teachers and staff will work with each family to make sure each musician has a strong plan to be accepted into a music conservatory, college or university music school majoring in music.
The PMAY Artists’ Initiative long term goal is to increase diversity in America’s professional musical landscape, particularly in its orchestras, promoting equity, vibrancy, and sustainability within those organizations and the extraordinary art form they celebrate. We are working to change the face of classical music.
While each PMAY Artist’s plan for study will be different, the estimated value of what each PMAY Artist will receive in financial support is in the thousands of dollars annually.
What’s it like to be a PMAY student?
Our Students
See our 2024 graduates speak about their college acceptances and hear them perform on this Fox29 feature.
8th grader PMAY Cellist Kwanyun Loo is accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music. Click to see this 6ABC feature.