Frequently Asked Questions

How are students selected for the program?
Students are selected on the basis of an application, an audition, and parent and student interviews. Applicants may also be asked to complete a written music theory assessment. The most important factors are the student's enthusiasm and the results of his or her audition.

Can a student apply for MAP if they have never played an instrument?
No. MAP offers courses for students who play at an intermediate to advanced level only. Applicants must have played their instrument for at least two years in order to apply.*

*Students auditioning on violin, cello, piano, or guitar must have played for at least three years.

Do students have to attend an N.Y.C. public school or live in N.Y.C. to apply to MAP?
No. Any student who resides in the tristate area (NY, NJ, CT) who has played their instrument for at least two years may apply to MAP. Applicants may attend any type of school, including public, private, charter, independent, or home schools.

Is there an age limit?
Yes. Students must be 8 to 14 years old at the time of their audition (entering 3rd through 9th grade in fall 2012). Auditions for the 2012-2013 academic year will take place May 12, 2012.

Can students audition on any instrument?
Generally, yes. MAP offers instruction in most instruments of the band and orchestra, as well as piano and guitar. If you do not see your child's instrument listed on the Application for Admission, please contact the Office of Educational Outreach before applying. MAP does not offer instruction in voice.

Can students audition on more than one instrument?
Yes, as long as the student has played each instrument for at least two years (three years for vioiln, cello, piano, or guitar). Students who select more than one instrument on their application will be scheduled for a separate audition on each instrument and should prepare the appropriate audition requirements.

Do you have to own an instrument to be in MAP?
No. If students do not have access to an instrument, they may borrow an instrument (except piano) through MAP for the duration of their enrollment in the program.

How much does MAP cost?
Annual tuition per pupil is as follows:

• Level 1: $1,500
• Level 2: $2,500
• Level 3: $3,500
• Level 4: $4,500

Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to families who apply for assitance. Following auditions, families invited to an interview who have requested consideration for financial aid will need to submit an Application for Financial Aid and copies of all required financial documents (tax form 1040 and all W-2's, or proof of public assistance). The Applicaiton for Financial Aid will be posted on this Web site after auditions have taken place.

When are MAP auditions and what should students play?
Auditions for the 2012-2013 school year will take place at The Juilliard School on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

In order to be scheduled for an audition, each applicant must meet the eligibility requirements and submit a complete Application for Admission no later than April 2, 2012. Applicants with complete applications will be notified of their audition time in early May. All applicants should reserve the entire day of May 12 for their MAP audition.

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 one 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.

At the audition, applicants may be asked to complete a written music theory assessment. Applicants do not need to study or prepare in any way for this.

Some students will be asked back for the second part of the admission process, which includes parent and child interviews with program administrators. 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.  Depending on their level, MAP students attend classes for three to five hours between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Once a student enrolls in MAP, is there a limit to how long he or she can participate in the program?
Yes. MAP students are placed in one of four levels when accepted to the program. Depending on the student's initial placement and subsequent growth and progress at each level, he or she may continue through Level 4. For example, a student admitted into Level 1 may expect to be in the program for a maximum of four years, while a student admitted into Level 3 may expect to attend MAP for a maximum of two years.

However, readmission to the program is not automatic. At the end of each year, all students must reapply and perform a jury before a panel of MAP faculty (similar to an audition). Admission to the next level is contingent upon the student's committment to his or her studies, progress the previous year, and teacher's recommendation. Readmission is never guaranteed. For more information on readmission to MAP, please review MAP's Academic Policies. 

Are MAP performances open to the public?
Some MAP performances are open to the public. For a list of recital, concert, and interactive performance dates, please contact the Office of Educational Outreach by sending an e-mail to map@juilliard.edu. Admission to all MAP performances is free.

What is the CLIMB program?
Combining Literacy Instruction with Musical Beginnings (CLIMB) provides two-hour classes at Juilliard each Saturday for siblings of MAP students. CLIMB students are grouped by age into three groups: 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10. Teachers stress phonics and reading comprehension, and provide a fun introduction to classical music and the arts using music vocabulary and hands-on activities. Families whose students are admitted into MAP may enroll siblings in CLIMB at the start of each semester. A small enrollment fee for each CLIMB student is required.