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Tanglewood Music Center

Instrumental Program Application Instructions

  • Applications for Instrumental Program are now open!

    Apply Now

Requirements

  • Online application must be completed by January 30, 2025 at 11:59PM Eastern for all live audition and February 6, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern for all video auditions.
  • Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center must be at least 18 years old as of June 20, 2025.
  • Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the 2025 TMC residency from June 20 – August 19.
  • Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center (TMC) must submit an application, including a $75 application fee, via Acceptd.
  • Applicants experiencing any hardship that they feel renders them unable to pay the application fee are to fill out this form to receive an application fee waiver.
  • All applicants must either schedule a live audition or upload a video audition.

Live Auditions

Applicants who are auditioning live should first complete their application. After completing your application, you will receive a notification to sign up for an audition slot. These slots are available on a first come, first serve basis, so it is highly recommended that you submit your application early before slots fill up.

2025 Audition Tour Dates

A TMC faculty member will be present at all live auditions. All live auditions are recorded for review by additional faculty in Boston.

If your desired audition date is full, please email tmc@bso.org to join the waitlist.

Video Auditions

Applicants may submit a video in lieu of a live audition. Video auditions must be submitted along with applications by February 6, 2025 at 11:59PM Eastern.

All video recordings must meet the following criteria:

  • Recordings must contain all audition repertoire in the order listed.
  • Recordings must be played in one continuous, unedited segment.
  • For percussion ONLY videos may be in three segments, as noted on the audition repertoire list.
  • Video must be from a single video camera, with the same shot for the entire video.
  • Your full body must be in the shot for video.
  • Any indication that there has been editing or that recording equipment was paused/stopped between excerpts will result in the disqualification of the applicant.
  • All pieces should be played unaccompanied.

Some advice for getting the best video possible:

  • We strongly recommend you view your recording all the way through before submitting it.
  • Record in a quiet space with no background noise present. If you're at home, make sure you're away from noisy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
  • Ensure your microphone is not too close to your instrument when playing.
  • Note that the sole purpose of the video is to ensure that you are the one playing your audition, and that it is in one continuous segment. If you have to choose between amazing audio and amazing video, choose amazing audio.

Audition Repertoire