Program Overview

The mission of the Music Advancement Program (MAP) is to enrich the lives of young people by creating pathways and increasing access to classical music education; prioritizing artistry, mindfulness, and musical excellence; and building an ecosystem of students, families, and educators where music is the heart of a thriving community and its people. MAP believes in developing the whole person, celebrating inclusion, centering community, and committing long term. MAP serves intermediate to advanced level music students from New York City’s five boroughs and the tristate area.

MAP students are intermediate and advanced-level elementary, middle, and high school students seeking to advance their skills in a rigorous conservatory environment. Having begun their studies in school bands and orchestras, at community music schools, or with private instructors, MAP students come together from a variety of backgrounds to work toward the common goal of fulfilling their potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens.

The faculty of the Music Advancement Program is comprised of professional artist-educators with a demonstrated commitment to MAP’s mission and a depth of experience which uniquely qualifies them to develop young artist-musicians. Visits by various guest artists and ensembles further inspire MAP students in their musical endeavors through interactive, free-of-charge performances presented at Juilliard.

MAP students showcase their progress each year in recitals and ensemble concerts presented in concert halls and theaters at Juilliard, Lincoln Center, and beyond. Many of these performances offer MAP students the chance to perform alongside Juilliard college students who serve as mentors. All MAP performances are presented free-of-charge.

MAP partners with various summer music camps to offer MAP students exclusive scholarships, tuition discounts, or special consideration for admission to their programs. Partners have included Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Brevard Music Center, French Woods Festival for the Performing Arts, Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, Kinhaven Music School, MSM Summer, New England Music Camp, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, and The Walden School Young Musicians Program.

MAP students may also apply for financial assistance to attend summer camps and festivals through the Weston Sprott and Anthony McGill MAP Summer Scholarship Fund, established in 2020.

In addition to offering a comprehensive curriculum, performance opportunities, and summer study partnerships and scholarships, MAP supports students and their families by providing educational workshops on a range of topics, a literacy program for young siblings of MAP students, and opportunities to attend professional concerts at discounted rates or free-of-charge. Parents are also encouraged to participate in MAP's active Family Association which facilitates fundraisers and special events that build community among MAP families, faculty, and staff.

MAP alumni have gone on to study in community music schools, pre-college programs, conservatories, and universities. Many have chosen music as their profession while others have gone on to be successful in a variety of fields. All alumni have been equipped with quality musical experiences that empower them to become advocates for the arts.

The idea for MAP was developed in 1991 by Joseph W. Polisi, former president of The Juilliard School, in the wake of massive cuts in music education at New York City public schools. The goal was to support underserved communities that were most affected by the cuts.

In 1991, 40 young people from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx were chosen from a competitive pool to take part in the initial program. Each student selected had at least six months of prior experience with an orchestral instrument, showed musical aptitude and a commitment to pursuing musical studies, and demonstrated strong parental support.

Today, MAP offers a tuition-free music education for students at intermediate and advanced levels who demonstrate a strong commitment to artistic excellence, and—as it did 30 years ago—continues to seek students from backgrounds underrepresented in the classical music field. Through a rigorous curriculum, performance opportunities, and guidance from an accomplished faculty, MAP students gain the necessary skills to pursue advanced music studies while developing their talents as artists, leaders, and global citizens.