Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to audition for PMAY Artists’ Initiative?
Students currently in grades 5 to 11 who have already exhibited a deep commitment to and passion for the study of classical music, who are from communities underrepresented within the professional orchestra field, first in their family to attend college, as well as students who face societal and economic disadvantages are eligible for the program.
What instruments are included in the program?
Auditioning students must reside in the Greater Philadelphia Area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware), must be able to attend weekly lessons, rehearsals, masterclasses and/or workshops in Philadelphia, and must audition on a standard orchestral instrument:
Violin, viola, cello and double bass
Flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon
French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba
Percussion
Harp
How are students evaluated for inclusion?
The selection process includes auditions and interviews, including interviews with family members and other caregivers. Musicians selected for the Artists’ Initiative are carefully assess and provided with comprehensive supports - musical and extra-musical - including financial and instructional, to remove many of the barriers to access that can discourage or derail the training of talented students from underrepresented backgrounds before they are able to fully realize their musical potential.
How many students are in the program?
We aim to serve approximately up to 50 students annually.
How are students supported throughout their pathway?
A Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) is tailored to the needs of the student to create a pathway towards acceptance into a music conservatory or 4-year college for music performance and may include financial, musical, social-emotional, academic, family engagement and peer-to-peer elements. Supports are adjusted to reflect students’ changing needs and circumstances.
How are Artists evaluated?
Student progress is monitored through semi-annual juries; meeting progress benchmarks are a condition for remaining in the cohort. The primary focus of this project is refining and mastering musical skills; secondarily, students requiring college readiness support may receive it via our partner organizations.
I am not part of any PMAY organizations. Can I still apply?
Yes. Students who are not part of a PMAY organization will be asked to apply and/or audition for a program provided by one.
Are students required to study with a certain teacher?
If a student is accepted in the program and already has a private teacher, it is not part of PMAY’s policy to disrupt that relationship. However, due to the rigorous pace and high-performance standards of the Artists’ Initiative, all Artists are advised to study with a teacher who has a track record of getting students accepted into top tier music college/conservatory programs and/or with a teacher that has attended one. Any teacher changes that take place are the result of a discussion initiated by the student.