The Saturday Music Project
Click here for the Saturday Music Project Parent Information Packet and Application in English.
What is the Saturday Music Project?
The Saturday Music Project (SMP) is a multi-tiered music education program offered free of charge to motivated students (grades 4 through 9) from across the five boroughs who have little or no access to music education. Unique to the program is a strong parent participation required through attendance at weekly music workshops and monthly Parent Committee meetings. The program is offered to students and their families free of charge, with the exception of the instrument rental or purchase.
For SMP students, each year includes: 28-weeks of small group instruction in a main instrument (violin, cello, saxophone or piano) and 13 weeks each of world music appreciation and ensemble skills. Instruction involves two 45-minutes sessions and takes place on Saturdays.
For SMP parents, each year includes: 28 weeks of interactive music workshops to help support music-making at home and monthly parent meetings to address ongoing issues and provide a forum for mutual feedback.
Other requirements include: Attendance to at least one TBMS sponsored event (such as our Hear It Now! Series) and one cultural performance around the city each semester. Students receive regular information about free and discounted arts events and ticket subsidies. In this way, we encourage families to take full advantage of the city's many cultural resources and become cultural advocates in their neighborhoods.
TBMS takes great care in evaluating the progress and success of this program. Ongoing evaluation and feedback includes frequent meetings with SMP staff, faculty and SMP families.
How can my family get involved in SMP?
All participants must complete an application plus $25 application fee and attend a follow-up interview. SMP applications require a letter of recommendation, two short essays by the student and parent, and a signed contract promising full participation in all aspects of the program. These rigorous application requirements allow us to enroll only those students and parents willing to commit to a two-year program. The application is available in both English and Spanish. To receive an application, please email grace@tbms.org.
Participating Faculty
- Debra Auer
- Nick Birmelin
- Daniel Cords
- Paula Cho
- Andrea Lee
- Peggy Lee
- Quenia Ribeiro
- Wes Stannard
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.