For an information sheet on SMP in Spanish, click here:
Para obtener una hoja de información sobre SMP en español, haga clic aquí:
http://tbms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/SMP-Class-of-2023-Info-Sheets-Spanish.docx.pdf

The Saturday Music Project (SMP) is Turtle Bay Music School’s free music education program for motivated and dedicated students from every borough of NYC who have a love of music, but limited access to music instruction. SMP is open to all students entering grades 3, 4, or 5 in the Fall of 2019.

Each student accepted into the SMP program is awarded a full-tuition, four-year scholarship to the program. SMP curriculum includes small group instruction on a primary instrument (cello, clarinet, flute, violin, or viola), as well as 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.  

The program requires a four-year commitment and runs every Saturday from October through early June, with the exception of school holidays at Turtle Bay Music School (330 East 38th Street, New York NY 10016).  
 
First Year Class Schedule:  10:00am-12:15 pm

Parent workshops are held during students’ lesson times.  

NYC students who are entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade in the Fall are welcome to apply.  This program is intended for students who might not otherwise have access to music lessons.  This program is for beginners, and not appropriate for students at an intermediate or advanced level on their chosen instrument. No experience neccessary!

Students in their first and second years of the program will:

• Receive Primary Instrument instruction (cello, clarinet, flute, violin, or viola) in a small group setting each Saturday during the school year

• Develop an understanding of tuned-percussion instruments, keyboard, and voice and an ability to begin composing on instruments other than student’s primary instrument

• Benefit from our Core Curriculum, which includes Sight Reading, Keyboard Skills, Music Theory, Composition, Music History, Orff-based Percussion and Creative Movement, Percussion Ensemble, and Chorus

• Participate in performance opportunities both at TBMS and in the community

• Understand the rehearsal and performance process as a member of an ensemble

In addition, Parents/Guardians join students in their primary instrument classes for the first five weeks of the program, in order to learn the skills necessary to assist their child with music-making and practicing in their home.  After these classes, parents are offered their own Parent Workshops in a variety of topics surrounding their young musician’s progress through the program.

Students in their third and fourth years of the program will:
• Receive an hour of Primary Instrument instruction in a small group setting

• Participate as a member of the SMP Orchestra

• Build ensemble skills and learn to understand the important role of teamwork in an ensemble setting

• Participate in performance opportunities both at TBMS and in the community

• Be prepared to audition for intermediate-level Orchestras and Ensembles throughout the city, including music-focused middle and high schools

• Cultivate greater appreciation for music, with the foundation to become a “lifelong listener”

After successfully completing the four-year program:

Alumni receive a full-tuition scholarship to join the Turtle Bay Music School Orchestra and participate in weekly group lessons on their primary instrument.  This experience allows students to continue building on skills they have acquired in SMP, while providing them with a way to keep music in their lives well into their future.

1. VIOLIN
2. VIOLA
3. CELLO
4. CLARINET
5. FLUTE


http://tbms.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SMP-Instruments-2017.pdf

• Non-refundable $50 application fee.

• Instrument rental fee (about $150 per school year), to be arranged directly with our instrument rental partner, Music & Arts.  TBMS staff will assist in the instrument application process.  We strongly recommend that students rent instruments from our rental partner, rather than purchasing, as this allows TBMS to assist with sizing and any necessary repairs/replacement.  If the student chooses to purchase an instrument, TBMS cannot assist in the maintenance or repairs of instruments.  

• All students who pass the rigorous application process receive a full-tuition scholarship. For the four year program, this scholarship is valued at approximately $20,000.  

Space is very limited and the application process is competitive.

1. Completed applications are due by Friday May 17, 2019.
 
2. Follow-up family interviews for students being considered take place June 4th - 6th, 2019. At your interview, you will be required to bring a $50 application fee (if you have not mailed it in previously), as well as income 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 and will be kept confidential).  

3. Final decisions are made by the end of June 2019. All applicants are notified of their status.  

4. Mandatory contract signing and instrument rental appointments will be scheduled to take place early July 2019.  

Application materials should be submitted in English or Spanish.

1. Completed Application with $50 non-refundable application fee and essays by both student applicant and parent/guardian is due NO LATER THAN Friday May 17, 2019.

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 and will be kept confidential).

3. One Teacher Recommendation (submitted separately).  Applications cannot be considered complete until we have received this recommendation.  Deadline is Friday May 17, 2019 without exceptions. You can fill out or download the form here: https://goo.gl/forms/tUHA9gazn6KJufg22

4. One Personal Recommendation (other than parent or guardian, submitted separately). Applications cannot be considered complete until we have received this recommendation.  Deadline is Friday May 17, 2019 without exceptions. You can fill out or download the form here: https://goo.gl/forms/CSHtTPb8IeWBONC53

5. Families being considered for the program must also attend a follow-up family interview.

Just click "Next" below!

You can also download a version to print from our website at tbms.org/smp or email sgrosman@tbms.org to request a hard copy to be sent to you.  Copies can also be picked up at the front desk at Turtle Bay Music School.