Who is eligible to apply for MAP?
Any student who meets the following three criteria is eligible:
- Played instrument for at least 2 years (3 years for violin and cello)
- Age 8-17 at the time of audition (entering 3rd through 12th grade in the academic year for which they are applying)
- Reside in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT)
Who is the ideal MAP student?
All interested students who meet the above eligibility criteria may apply, audition, and be considered for admission. Students who do not currently have access to high-quality music education are especially encouraged to apply.
How are students selected for the program?
Students are selected on the basis of an application, audition, and interview. The most important factors are the results of the student's audition and their commitment to serious musical study.
How competitive is the admissions process?
The number of available spots in MAP differs from year to year due to various factors. There are openings for students in all departments, so we encourage ALL interested students to apply.
What instruments/majors does MAP offer?
MAP offers majors in most instruments of the band and orchestra, as well as piano and composition. MAP does not currently offer majors in harp, guitar, or voice; Juilliard's Pre-College program does offer these majors.
If you do not see your instrument listed on the Application for Admission, please contact the MAP office at [email protected] before applying.
Can students apply for more than one major?
Yes. Please make sure to use the same admissions account for both applications. To prevent one application overwriting the other, we recommend fully submitting one application and then starting the second one.
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 through MAP for the duration of their enrollment in the program.
How much does MAP cost?
MAP is a tuition-free program. Additional financial assistance such as free lunch on Saturdays, travel stipends, etc. are available to families who qualify. For more information, please visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page.
When are classes held?
The vast majority of MAP students attend MAP every Saturday of the academic year (September through May) at The Juilliard School from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A few piano and composition majors may finish their day at 5:00 p.m. depending on class schedule. MAP has several Saturdays off for major holidays/school breaks.
Once a student enrolls in MAP, is there a limit to how long they can participate in the program?
Yes. Once admitted to the program, students may participate in MAP for up to four years or through their senior year of high school, whichever comes first. However, re-admission each year is not automatic. A student's eligibility to continue in the program the following year is determined by the commitment the student has demonstrated to their studies at MAP, overall progress in the program, and the faculty and administration's recommendations.
Does participation in MAP guarantee a student's admission to the Juilliard Pre-College program?
No. MAP students who wish to continue their studies in Juilliard's Pre-College Division must apply and audition through the regular Pre-College admissions process.
Can an applicant apply for both MAP and Pre-College?
Yes. Applicants who wish to be considered for MAP as well as Pre-College must complete separate applications and auditions for each program. For more information about Pre-College admissions and audition requirements, click here.
Are MAP performances open to the public?
Yes. Please view the Juilliard Performance Calendar and select "Preparatory Education" from the Performance Type drop-down menu. 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, ages 4-10, of MAP students. 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 to MAP may enroll siblings in CLIMB at the start of each semester. This program is offered to MAP families free-of-charge.
Does MAP offer a summer program?
No. For a list of summer music programs that serve students ages 8-18, click here.