Audition Information

The Talent Development Program (TDP) is an intensive training program for gifted young musicians who are committed to advancing their skills and pursuing excellence in classical music. Participation requires a significant commitment from both students and their families. Through high-level instruction, performance opportunities, mentorship, and financial support, TDP provides students with the resources and experiences they need to grow as musicians and prepare for future opportunities in music.

Each year, TDP students receive:

• Weekly private lessons with an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musician (September–June)

• Performance opportunities through TDP Community Recitals and special appearances at community events

• Family Meetings featuring masterclasses, training, and social activities

• One-on-one advisory sessions in the winter and spring

• College advisement and support

• Financial support for summer music programs

• Opportunities to participate in national events

• Access to scholarships and additional financial support opportunities

• Complimentary tickets to select Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Classical Concerts

Student Expectations

TDP students are expected to demonstrate substantial musical growth, consistent participation, and dedication to their development. Progress and engagement are evaluated annually through:

• Two solo performances with feedback from a jury—one closed and one public

• Ongoing feedback from private lesson instructors

• Attendance at select concerts and completion of concert reports

• Participation in a summer music program and completion of a summer program report

• Participation in TDP Family Meetings

• Participation in their school band or orchestra, when available

• Participation in a local community youth music ensemble, such as the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, or another approved ensemble

• Auditions for All-District and All-State ensembles

• Highly dedicated rising 5th- through 10th-grade student musicians with a strong foundation in one of the following orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, or harp.
• Student musicians who have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming barriers to pursuing their study of classical music.
• Priority will be given to students attending public schools in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Henry counties.

Performance Videos
Up to three separate videos, totaling no longer than 10 minutes, including the following:

• Scales
• Solo/Etude #1
• Solo/Etude #2 (of a contrasting style)

Applicants may submit previously recorded material, provided it was recorded within the past year. For additional requirements and instructions, please review the Video Submission Guidelines. Once your video has been uploaded to YouTube, include the video link in the online application form.

Student Musician Essay
Applicant can choose to write a 300-500 word typed response or 3-5 minute video response to our 2027/28 TDP Essay Prompt. Follow the instructions for saving your PDF or video and it will be submitted via the online application form.

Online Application Form
Applicants will be asked to provide contact information and details about their musical background, including the name and email address of their school band or orchestra director and private lesson teacher, if applicable.

PLEASE NOTE: The application cannot be saved in progress. If you exit before submitting, you will need to restart the application. Before beginning, please review all instructions and gather the required materials, including your video link(s) and essay.

Online Recommendation Form
To be completed by the applicant's school music director or private lesson instructor. To be provided soon.

Completed applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the merit and potential demonstrated through the submitted materials. There are no application quotas based on instrument or grade level.

Applicants selected to advance in the process may be invited to participate in:

• Up to three trial lessons with an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musician instructor
• A follow-up family meeting
• A student interview and live audition

Final selection for the Talent Development Program is based on the student's interview and live audition, demonstrated growth and dedication during the trial lessons, and a review of the application essay and recommendation.

Students selected for the Talent Development Program may continue in the program without re-auditioning as long as they meet established program benchmarks and expectations.

At the end of 10th grade, students will be asked to assess their commitment to pursuing a college degree in music performance. Students who choose this path will continue in TDP during 11th and 12th grades, receiving rigorous preparation for admission to nationally competitive conservatories and schools of music.

Students who choose not to pursue a degree in music performance will conclude their participation in the program in good standing and become TDP alumni.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is committed to making exceptional musical training accessible to all students. Each Talent Development student receives approximately $25,000 in annual support. Families are invited to contribute a suggested comprehensive fee of $2,000 per academic year, with flexible payment options available based on individual circumstances. A family’s ability to pay never affects a student’s acceptance into the program.