TBMS

The Saturday Music Project

The deadline to apply for the Saturday Music Project is MAY 15, 2011, without exception.

For a Saturday Music Project application and fact sheet (PDF), please click here.

For a Saturday Music Project Teacher Recommendation Form (PDF), please click here.

 

What is the Saturday Music Project?

The Saturday Music Project (SMP) is a highly-competitive four-year music education program offered to motivated and dedicated students (beginning in grades 3 through 5) from across the five boroughs, who otherwise have little or no access to music education. Each student accepted into the SMP program is awarded a full-tuition scholarship, and each participating musician receives the following each year:

  • 30 weeks of small group instruction in a primary instrument (cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone or violin).
  • A rotating schedule of courses in our "core curriculum," designed to foster musicianship and give students a well-rounded understanding of music-making as an art form.
  • Parents and families of first and second year students are also required to attend a weekly series of workshops, educating them on the basics of each SMP instrument. Parents/guardians will also learn the skills necessary to assist their child with music-making in their home.
  • In their third and fourth years, SMP core curriculum also includes participation in the Turtle Bay Music School Orchestra as well as in small ensembles.

When/where will it take place?

The program requires a four-year commitment and runs every Saturday for 30 weeks each year from September to June.

Classes are held from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm for first year students, 12:30pm - 2:30pm for second year students, and from 2:30 - 4:30 for third and fourth year students. All classes are held at Turtle Bay Music School, located at 244 East 52nd Street in Manhattan (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues).

Parent workshops are held for first and second year parents during their students' lesson times each Saturday.

Who can take part?

NYC students may apply to the program in 3rd - 5th grade. This program is intended for students who cannot otherwise afford music lessons. This program is for beginners, and not appropriate for students already at an advanced level on their chosen instrument.

What are the costs?

● Non-refundable $50 application fee.
● Instrument rental fee (typically $150 - $250 per school year), to be arranged directly with a recommended instrument rental company. Turtle Bay Music School does not rent instruments to students.
● All students who pass the rigorous application process receive a full-tuition scholarship. For the four year program, this scholarship is valued at $12,000.

How can I apply?

Space is VERY limited and the application process is extremely competitive. Completed applications are due by May 15, 2011, with no exceptions. Follow-up family interviews for those being considered for the program will take place beginning at the end of May through June 2011.

Final decisions will be made by July 1, 2011 and all accepted applicants will be notified by mail. Families must confirm their intent to accept their scholarship by July 15th. Mandatory contract signing appointments will be scheduled to take place in early September. At the time of contract signing, students will be given information on renting instruments. All students are required to have an instrument in order to attend the first class in late September.

Application requirements:
Please note that all application materials should be submitted in English.
1. Completed application with $50 non-refundable application fee by May 15, 2011, including essays by both student applicant and parent/guardian.
2. Financial documentation (W-2's, Tax Forms, Pay Stubs, Bank Statements, a Letter from your Employer stating your monthly income, or a written explanation of your family's financial situation are all acceptable documentation).
3. One teacher recommendation.
4. One personal recommendation (other than parent or guardian, English-only please).
5. Families being considered for the program must also attend a follow-up family interview.

The application process is extremely competitive.
For questions or to receive an application, please contact Katie Mazzari, Director of School & Community Programs at katie@tbms.org or at  212-753-8811 x21.

Participating Faculty

THANK YOU!

Turtle Bay Music School gratefully acknowledges the support of the UJA — Federation of New York's Music for Youth, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts for their support of this successful new initiative.

Click here to support this program.


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