YOUNG ADULT | CARNEGIE HALL

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the program and application process. Do not hesitate to call or email our team with additional questions.

What is the Young Adult Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall?

The Young Adult Series brings together young musicians who have pursued their musical interests into college and beyond. Selected Finalists are brought together for five days in New York City to further their abilities, network with other talented musicians, work with renowned conductors, and ultimately take part in an advanced Carnegie Hall performance.

Who are the conductors?

Click here to learn more about our distinguished Honors Conductors.

All our conductors have received international acclaim for their work and have extensive experience in working with talented students, making them the perfect choices to lead our Honors Ensembles.

What do Finalists do in New York?

Though much of the musicians’ time is focused on performance preparation, the week also allows students to explore opportunities in music, experience the best of New York City arts, and get to know other musicians from around the world.

Highlights of the five-day program are planned to include (tentative and subject to change):

Performing in the elite Honors Performance at Carnegie Hall
Working with a master conductor and build your performing resume
Rehearsing and interacting with other musicians from across the world
Commemorating your accomplishments and enjoying time with other selected vocalists during the Finalist Celebration
Attending a Broadway Show, interacting with a panel of professional New York City musicians, and taking part in a workshop led by Broadway cast members

When is the 2023 Young Adult Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall?

The 2023 Young Adult Instrumental Series at Carnegie Hall and the 2023 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall will take place between February 1-5, 2023.

What ensembles will perform at the Honors Performance at Carnegie Hall?

The 2023 Young Adult Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall will feature a distinguished instrumental ensemble (format TBD). All parts are encouraged to apply.

Previous instrumental ensembles required the following instruments: bassoons, cellos, clarinets (including Bb, Eb, and bass), string basses, euphoniums, flutes, French horns, harps, oboes, percussion, pianos, saxophones (including alto, tenor, and baritone), trombones, tubas, violas, and violins.

Vocalists are encouraged to apply for the Young Adult Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House in Australia taking place in August 2023.

What is the connection between the Honors Performance Series and WorldStrides?

The Honors Performance Series is a proud part of the WorldStrides organization. Click here for more information about our history and relationship with WorldStrides.

How are Finalists selected?

Music professionals from across the world recognize and nominate talented young musicians.
Nominated and self-nominating performers are invited to apply individually for selection.
Applicants submit a complete application and audition recording. All students are required to submit the contact information for a teacher reference as part of the application process.
All applications are reviewed by the Series’ expert Board of music professionals for final selection.
Each applicant will receive a notification email to the address(es) listed on their application in late October. This email will specify their acceptance status: Finalist (selected to perform), First Runner-up (waitlisted), or Deferred (not accepted and not waitlisted).

What are the application requirements?

The Young Adult Honors Performance Series application requirements are as follows. Please see the application page for additional details.

Online application form and deposit
Teacher reference
A performer biography
A three- to five-minute audition recording

Applicants for the Young Adult Series are required to submit all application materials online. Applications will not be considered until all required pieces are received. If an applicant fails to submit required portions, their deposit will be forfeited.

What are the requirements of the audition recording?

Each applicant must electronically submit an audio-only MP3 or M4A audition recording. Please visit the application page for additional information.

Can family participate?

Parents, family members, and friends are welcome to join their Finalist by either purchasing one of our Family Programs or by purchasing individual tickets to the performance. This is a wonderful experience to share with family and friends.

Information on Family Program options will be provided to Finalists once accepted and posted on this website. Additionally, information on how to purchase tickets to the performance will be provided to Finalists. Other than individual tickets to the Carnegie Hall performance, all hotels, activities, touring, and events are available only as a part of the Family Program and cannot be purchased individually.

How do you ensure performer safety?

The safety and security of our performers is our highest priority, and the Series has implemented a number of safety measures to ensure all participants are well supported and protected:

Airport shuttles and staff to greet and send off students from assigned airport
All transportation during the program
Program staff experienced and trained in working with young adults
Accommodations in a highly rated Manhattan hotel
Doctors on Call resource providing medical support while on the program
24-hour staffed emergency office in New York City to handle the unexpected
Extensive participant insurance while on the program

Additionally, selected participants are expected to act with utmost professionalism and maturity throughout the program. Finalists found to have violated the program's behavior guidelines (as outlined in the Performer Code of Conduct signed by all participants) will be dismissed without a refund. For additional information about our health and safety measures, please click here.

What is included in the program tuition?

The Honors Performance Series provides a hassle-free experience, so selected student performers can focus on their main reason for being in New York—performing at their very best in Carnegie Hall. The Series tentatively includes:

All rehearsal costs, including equipment and sheet music
All production cost and services for the Carnegie Hall performance
All fees for shown activities—including a Broadway show, celebration, and other activities
Transportation for all activities during the program (however, arrival and departure transportation—flights, trains, etc.—to and from the Series hotel is the participant's responsibility)
Exposure to and learning from a world-class conductor for the program duration
Guides for activities outside the hotel (if desired) and program staff to assist participants in New York
Four nights' lodging (four participants to a room, each featuring two double beds) in a highly rated, centrally located hotel with on-site staff
A 24-hour staffed emergency office in New York City to handle the unexpected
24-hour access to Doctors on Call, our medical support through The George Washington University Hospital, during the program
Extensive traveler insurance while on the program

Transportation to and from New York and meals are not included in the program. A set payment plan and partial scholarships are available for full-time students.

Is transportation included in the program?

All ground transportation, including shuttling between the designated airport and hotels once in New York City, is included (for registered participants of the program only). Transportation to and from New York City is the responsibility of each participant. Because this is a selective program, we encourage you to refrain from booking airline tickets or other travel arrangements until you have received both your acceptance and the specified arrival/departure times and locations.

Are meals included?

No, selected Finalists are responsible for purchasing their own meals during the program. We generally suggest Finalists plan to spend $50-75 US per day on meals and souvenirs.

Are scholarships available?

The Honors Performance Series is dedicated to bringing together talented young performers around the world. Partial scholarships are available to full-time student applicants. The scholarship application will be made available following program acceptances. Please call us at +1-800-503-0807 for more information.

Where do participants stay?

For safety reasons, we do not share the name of our Honors hotel(s) except to accepted Finalists and the Responsible Parties listed on their accounts. All of our hotels are nationally recognized, and each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are student friendly and have been rated highly by musicians and families who have participated in our programs.

Do I get to choose my roommates?

In general, roommate selection is randomly assigned by ensemble and gender. Meeting new people and making new friends is a key element of the Honors Performance Series, and roommates enhance the entire experience.

Selected Finalists from the same ensemble are given the opportunity to request to room together following acceptances. While these arrangements cannot be guaranteed ahead of the program, we do our best to accommodate all requests.

Certain occupancy arrangements require a room surcharge. Please contact us if you would like more information about specific occupancy requests.

Is there a code of conduct for Finalists?

Yes, to ensure a positive experience for all Finalists, participants are required to sign a behavior contract before participating in the Honors Performance Series. Finalists who do not follow these guidelines can be dismissed from the program.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Yes, the Travel Protection Plan is an optional policy designed exclusively for Finalists and Family Program participants. This policy is offered to protect the investment of Finalists and their families. Complete details about the policy will be shared with selected Finalists upon acceptance.

To whom do we make checks payable?

Please use the following instructions to make a payment by check:

Make out to: WorldStrides
Note in memo line: “HPS” and your customer number
Mail to: Honors Performance Series by WorldStrides
ATTN: Enrollment Department
1919 Gallows Rd. Suite 700
Vienna, VA 22182

Please note: Checks sent to our New York address may take an additional 1-2 weeks to process.

“Being a part of these rehearsals showed me what it is like to be around people who know what they are doing and work for it. I cannot express enough how thankful I am.”

Clint
Finalist

1359 Broadway, Suite 1504,
New York, NY 10018

+1 (800) 503-0807
honors@honorsperformance.org

The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.

National Association for Music Education Logo