How are students selected for the program?
Students are selected on the basis of an application, an audition, a teacher recommendation, a music aptitude test, and a parent interview. The most important factors are the student's enthusiasm and the results of his or her audition.

Are public and private school students eligible?
Yes. All public school or private school students in the five boroughs of NYC are eligible to audition, as long as they have played their instrument for six months or more.

Is there an age limit?
Yes. Students must be 8 to 14 years old at the time of their audition. Auditions take place in May.

Can students audition on any instrument?
No. Students may audition on the following orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion and piano. MAP does not offer instruction in voice.

Do you have to own an instrument to be in MAP?
No. Instruments (except piano) are rented for the duration of their enrollment in MAP if students do not have access to an instrument.

How much does MAP cost?

Tuition is charged on a sliding scale, based solely on the family's financial situation.  The amount families pay varies.  Some may be charged up to the actual cost of the program per student, which is:

First Year: $1,500
Second Year: $2,500
Third Year: $3,500
Fourth Year: $4,500

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available. Tuition is charged on a sliding scale based solely on the families' financial situation. A financial aid form, copies of all pertinent tax forms and any public assistance documentation must be submitted in order to qualify for financial assistance. 

When are MAP auditions, and what should students play?
In order to be scheduled for an audition, each applicant must submit a complete application packet, including teacher recommendation and financial aid forms, by the deadline posted and meet the eligibility requirements.  Auditions will take place at The Juilliard School on a Saturday in mid-May.  Applicants will be mailed an audition date and time in late-April.

Applicants should bring their instrument to the audition and be prepared to play the audition requirements for their specific instrument (see Audition Requirements). If you do not have access to an instrument for the audition, you must contact the MAP office at least a week prior to the audition and special accommodations may be made.  However, the office cannot guarantee that an instrument will be available to you for the audition.

Some students will be asked back for the second part of the admission process.  Parents and students will be required to attend an interview conducted by members of the administration. An interview does not guarantee admittance to the program.

When are classes held?
MAP takes place every Saturday of the academic year (September through May), except on some major holidays/school breaks.  A full MAP day for fourth-year students usually lasts from 9am-3pm, while first-year students take part in classes for two to three hours.