How the Middle School Application Process Works
Are you a driven young musician interested in applying for the prestigious Middle School Honors Performance Series? Learn all about the application process below.
Eligibility: You must be in U.S. grades 6–8 (or the international equivalent) during the 2025–2026 school year.
Requirements:
- Online enrollment application
- Application fee and refundable deposit
- An audition recording
- A performing biography
- A teacher reference
Deadline: ALL required components must be received on or before the application deadline to be considered. Early submission of all application materials is encouraged and will speed up the decision process.
Accepting applicants on a rolling basis for Carnegie Hall Programs through May 6
The sooner you apply, the sooner you'll receive your decision email!
Step 1: Complete Online Enrollment
Please fill out the online application form. If you received a Student ID with your invitation materials, please select “Apply with HPS Student ID” and enter it when you start the application process.
A deposit and a $49 application fee is required to complete the online enrollment. If you aren’t selected as a Finalist, your deposit will be refunded. However, if the application process is started, but the required materials are not submitted by the deadline, this deposit will not be refunded. The $49 application fee is nonrefundable.
Once you've completed online enrollment and submitted your deposit and application fee, you'll gain access to your performer portal, where you can submit your Audition Recording(s), Performing Biography Form, and Teacher Reference Form.
Step 2: Submit Your Audio Recording(s)
At least one recorded audition is required as part of your Honors Performance Series application, but you may submit additional recordings as desired.
Please follow the detailed Recording Upload Instructions and see Additional Guidelines & Tips for more support.
Vocalists:
- Each audition recording should be 1–2 minutes long and may be either a recommended selection from the list below or a solo classical piece of your choice.
- Performances must be solo; piano accompaniment is allowed (live preferred, recorded accepted).
- You may submit one additional solo piece if you’d like.
- Recommended selections:
Instrumentalists:
- Each audition recording should be 1–2 minutes long and may be either a sample etude listed below, or, if your instrument is not listed, a technical piece that best shows your abilities (classical pieces are preferred but not required). You may include one additional technical piece if you’d like.
- All auditions must be from a solo piece with no accompaniment.
- Individual parts from an ensemble piece will not be accepted
- Percussion auditions: Please include solos on snare, timpani, and marimba using the etudes listed below. You may submit one additional solo on these or another percussion instrument.
- Etude recommendations:
- Note: Unfortunately, auditions for Piano, Guitar, and Harp are not currently being accepted. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to audition with other instruments.
Step 3: Complete the Performing Biography Form
Please tell us more about yourself and your musical background by completing the Performing Biography Form in the performer portal.
An overview of the questions:
- Do you take private lessons? If yes, for how long and with whom?
- What voice part(s) and/or instrument(s) do you sing/play proficiently?
Step 4: Provide a Teacher Reference
Please provide the contact information for a music teacher who can answer specific questions about your application and verify the contents of your portfolio. The teacher reference can be any music professional, such as a schoolteacher or private instructor, who is familiar with your abilities.
If you've received a teacher nomination to apply, you’ll only need to confirm the contact information for the teacher who nominated you for the program.
Evaluation Process and Selection of Finalists
An official confirmation email will be sent to the email address(es) provided in the application after all materials have been received.
Next steps:
- Application Review: Completed applications are evaluated by our Selection Board composed of professional music adjudicators.
- Notification of Results: Finalists will be notified by email approximately six weeks after applying. The email will include one of the following result options:
- Finalist (selected to perform)
- Waitlisted (acceptance contingent on part availability)
- Deferred (not accepted and not waitlisted)
- Ensemble Placement: Ensemble decisions will be finalized and communicated via email. Accepted Finalists will be assigned to ensembles based on the recommendations of our Selection Board to ensure balance and high musical quality across all groups. While efforts will be made to accommodate preferences, specific ensemble placement cannot be guaranteed.
- Rolling Admissions: Applications will continue to be accepted after the final deadline through our rolling admissions process. Applications will be accepted up to 60 days prior to domestic programs and 90 days before international programs. Please note that rolling auditions will only be considered based on remaining ensemble needs.
- Preparation for Accepted Finalists: Finalists can expect to receive their sheet music and conductor’s rehearsal notes no later than 60 days prior to the start date of their program.
- Replacement Policy: In the event of a Finalist canceling their participation, an applicant on the waitlist will be invited to fill the vacancy.