Classes are held on Saturdays and the school year consists of two semesters of fifteen weeks each. The school has an experienced and highly qualified faculty that specializes in the teaching of young gifted students. For the youngest students, a class in rhythm and movement is offered before beginning instrumental study. Older students can expect to spend a minimum of several hours or up to the entire day each Saturday attending classes and rehearsals, and the expectations for practicing during the week are high. In May, each participant performs before a jury consisting of a faculty panel that evaluates the student s progress.
Admission is based on an audition held in the spring.
Auditions are by appointment and are scheduled after an application is submitted to the Preparatory Division. Tuition costs vary according to the course of study, but a typical student would take a minimum of a private lesson, a theory class, and an ear training class, and would participate in a large ensemble. In addition, there are many performance opportunities including weekly playing classes, monthly group concerts, solo recitals and concerto competitions. A deferred payment plan is available. Limited scholarship is also available.