Register to Be a Part of the MYO

New applicants: Applications become available 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

At the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, we have a long-standing tradition of supporting families who may not have access to programs like ours. Families of all income levels and backgrounds are invited to apply. Returning members and their siblings will receive first priority, followed by new applicants from our orchestra partner sites and low-income families from the greater Indianapolis area. All other applicants will be considered as space is available.

Expectation of Commitment

As an active participant, you will prepare and practice 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.

As a member of the MYO, you will attend a lesson and an orchestra rehearsal every week. We understand that life can bring unexpected challenges, but we believe that commitment is essential to what we do. Your presence and engagement directly contribute to your progress and the overall growth of the program.

Missing a rehearsal or lesson can impact not only your own development but also that of your fellow MYO members. Click here to learn more about the individual orchestras.

Tuition and Fees

• MYO tuition is $250* for the season.
• There is no charge for instruments loaned to parents.
• Students in Chamber Ensemble pay a $50 iPad fee 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.

Scholarship Application

*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 borrow an MYO instrument at no additional charge if the family qualifies for a need-based scholarship. There is no charge for adults borrow an instrument.

There are a number of great rental shops around Indianapolis. Please visit these shops 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. 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 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 meet with faculty and staff of MYO. This session is designed to help us get to know each other better and to clearly communicate the goals of the program. We’ll discuss the commitment required and address any questions you may have.

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? 

No – just come as you are!

Where will the interviews be held?

The Family Interview sessions will be held at Broadway United Methodist Church (609 E 29th Street).