Register to Be a Part of the MYO
How to Apply
New applicants: Applications are posted each year in March with a due date of April 30th.
Returning MYO Members: Renewal forms are posted each year in March with a due date of April 30.
New to MYO? Read this!
NEW MEMBER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Admission Priorities
MYO has a long-standing tradition of commitment to families that are otherwise unable to access programs like this. Families of all income levels and backgrounds are invited to apply. First priority will be to returning members and siblings of returning members. New applicants through our orchestra partner sites and low-income families from the greater Indianapolis area will receive top priority as well. All other applicants will be admitted as space is available.
Expectation of Commitment
As an active participant, you will prepare for your lessons and orchestra rehearsals at home.
Parents: Parents of beginner students are expected to learn an instrument alongside their child for at least 3 years.
You will attend both your lesson and orchestra every week. Of course, we know that people get sick or have other emergencies, but we believe that commitment is at the heart of what we do. It works because people are present and engaged in what they’re doing. If you miss a rehearsal or your lesson it affects your own progress and also that of the orchestra. Click here to learn more about the individual orchestras.
Tuition and Fees
- MYO tuition will be $250* for the season.
- There is no charge for instruments loaned to parents.
- Students in Chamber Ensemble must pay a $50 iPad deposit at the beginning of the season.
Financial aid and payment plans for tuition are available to those who qualify.
Contact MYO@IndianapolisSymphony.org for more information.
*The actual cost of the program is approximately $2,500 per student.
Instruments
MYO has a limited supply of instruments that are intended for those families that are unable to purchase or rent on their own. Students may reserve an MYO instrument at no additional charge if the family qualifies for a need-based scholarship. There is no charge for adults reserving an instrument.
There are a number of great rental shops around Indianapolis. Please check these out for your rental needs:
- Indianapolis Violins
- Musicians Repair and Sales
- Encore Orchestral Strings/Paige’s Music
- The Violin Shop of Old Carmel
Audition Information
Auditions will take place at the Family Interview for newly accepted students who already play an instrument. Students who play at any level are expected to audition so that we can do proper orchestra placement. The audition is NOT to determine if we are able to accept a student, but to ensure we place each student in the proper orchestra.
In general, auditionees should prepare a minimum of one scale (two-three preferred for high school students) along with a piece that shows your capabilities. It does not need to be an entire piece, but enough to see your musicality, technique, and knowledge of notes and rhythms. Younger applicants who are not working on scales yet should just bring a piece from school or from a lesson book – anything the student is familiar with.
Family Interview Information: FAQ
What is a Family Interview?
A small group of applicant families will sit down with faculty and staff of MYO to learn more about one another. This helps us to more fully articulate the goals of the program, discuss the commitment required, and answer your questions!
Is the Family Interview required?
Yes, the Family Interview is a required part of the application process for all new MYO families. New families are those that did not participate in MYO during the previous season.
Do we need to bring an instrument?
Students who already play need to bring their instrument to complete the audition.
Who should attend? We have young children in the family.
We want to meet the whole family, if possible! We are a youth and family development program and want to start out by meeting everyone!
Do we need to dress up?
Not for this – just come as you are!
Where will the meetings be held?
The Family Interview sessions will be held at Broadway United Methodist Church (609 E 29th Street).