Audition Information
2025 Applications Now Open!
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Talent Development Program (TDP) identifies and trains highly dedicated student musicians with exceptional potential and passion for classical music—particularly those with obstacles on their path to study. Our mission is to expand opportunities for and to increase the presence of Atlanta-area students among music performance majors in conservatories.
TDP is accepting applications through Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Application Requirements
Talent Development Program Family Info Sessions
Applicant and their family must attend one of the following, to be indicated on their application.
- Thursday, September 4 | 6:00 pm | Sandtown Middle School
- Monday, September 8 | TBA
- Tuesday, September 9 | TBA
- Sunday, September 14 | Zoom (available here)
Performance Videos
Up to three, totaling no longer than 10 minutes, including the following:
- Scales
- Solo/Etude #1
- Solo/Etude #2 (of a contrasting style)
Applicants may use previously recorded material if it is within the last year. For more information, please review our Video Submission Guidelines. Once uploaded to YouTube, links will be shared 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 2025 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
Contact information and music background, to include the name and email of your school band/orchestra director and lesson teacher (if applicable). Note that the application does not save, if you exit, you will need to restart the submission. Please review instructions and gather all materials, including video links and essay, before beginning.
Online Recommendation Form
To be completed by the applicant's school music director or private lesson instructor. This form may be communicated via www.aso.org/TDPRecommendation.
Eligibility
- Highly dedicated rising 5th through 10th grade student musicians with strong foundations in one of the following orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, and harp.
- Student musicians who have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles to their pursuit of learning classical music.
- Priority will be given to students attending public schools in the following counties: Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Henry.
Program Description
The Talent Development Program is a training program requiring serious commitment for both students and families. TDP students work extremely hard and receive the following annually:
- Weekly lessons with an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musician (September-June)
- Performance opportunities through TDP Community Recitals and spotlights at local community events
- Family Meetings to include trainings, masterclasses, and social activities
- 1:1 Advisory Sessions (Winter and Spring)
- Complimentary tickets to select Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Classical Concerts
- Financial support for summer music programs
- Opportunities for participation in national events
- Opportunities for scholarships or additional financial support
TDP Students are expected to show substantial growth and dedication to their advancement as musicians. Each year, these are measured annually through the following:
- Two solo performances with juried comments (one closed, one public)
- Ongoing feedback from private lesson instructors
- Concert attendance and reports
- Summer camp attendance and report
- Participation in TDP family meetings
- Participation in their school ensemble (band or orchestra unless not available or homeschooled)
- Participation in a local community youth music ensemble (i.e. Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Emory Youth Orchestra, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, others)
- Auditioning for all-district and all-state ensembles
Tuition
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra invests approximately $25,000 annually per Talent Development student. To support this investment, families are asked to contribute a suggested tuition of $2,000 per academic year. Tuition may be paid in 10 monthly installments of $200 (August–May) or arranged according to a family's circumstances. Importantly, ability to pay does not affect a student's acceptance into the program.
Selection Process
Completed applications will be reviewed and scored based on merit and potential as shown through submitted materials. There is not a quota of instrumentation or grade level. From the initial applicants, up to twelve (two times the number of openings) students will be selected to move on to the following:
- Up to three trial lessons with an ASO Musician Instructor
- Follow-Up Family Meeting
- Student Interview and Live Audition
Final selection is based on the student interview, live audition performance, growth and dedication through the trial lessons, and a review of the application essay and recommendation.
Selected Talent Development Program musicians will continue in the program without re-auditioning if meeting the required benchmarks. At the end of their 10th grade year, students are asked to assess their commitment to pursuing a collegiate major in music performance. Those committing will remain in the program with rigorous preparation for nationally competitive conservatories and schools of music during their 11th and 12th grade years. Those who do not pursue music performance will exit the program in good standing with the status of TDP alum.
Decision Timeline for the 2025/26 Season*
- Applications Open: Now-September 14
- Applications Reviewed: September 14-18
- Advancement Announced: September 19
- Trial Lessons: September 20 – October 17
- Live Audition: October 18
*Subject To Change
Questions?
Please contact us at TDP@atlantasymphony.org with any questions.