The optimal Talent Development Program student possesses a passion for classical music and the drive to be a professional musician.

This student is committed to meeting the program requirements including weekly lessons and regular jury evaluations to monitor progress. The students should support their TDP peers and be dedicated to sharing their talents with the community through Atlanta Symphony Orchestra outreach projects. Thanks for your interest in the Talent Development Program.

Audition applications for the 2024/25 season have closed. Thank you for your interest in the Talent Development Program.

Eligibility

  • Students in rising 5th to rising 10th grades
  • Students who have at least one parent who is either African American or Latine
  • Serious music students who have already reached a high level of proficiency on a standard orchestral instrument

Benefits

  • Weekly private lessons with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians
  • Scholarship awards for summer music study
  • Family passes to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra classical concerts
  • Opportunities to participate in masterclasses, chamber ensembles, and solo performances
  • High-profile outreach performance opportunities
  • Association with other like-minded, serious music students

Audition Location

Auditions will take place at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, on the NW corner of 15th and Peachtree Streets. Directions will be provided to applicants with the audition time.

Audition Requirements

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

*Please note that we currently do not accept students on piano or saxophone.

Violin & Viola

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

Grades 4-8:

  • Knowledge of 3rd position
  • Vibrato
  • G, A, g, and a scales, 3 octaves (violin)
  • C and D scales, 3 octaves (viola)

Grades 9-10 All of the above, plus:

  • Knowledge of 5th position
  • g and a melodic minor scales, 3 octaves (violin)
  • c and d melodic minor scales, 3 octaves (viola)

Cello & Bass

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

Grades 4-7 Knowledge of different neck positions:

  • Vibrato
  • C and D scales, 3 octaves (cello)
  • F and G scales, 2 octaves (bass)


Grades 8-10 All of the above, plus:

  • Beginning knowledge of Thumb Position
  • c and d melodic minor scales, 3 octaves (cello)
  • f and g melodic minor scales, 3 octaves (bass)
     

Flute

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Grades 4-8: All Majors, 1 or 2 octaves
  • Grades 9-10: All Majors, 2 octave minimum, and a, d, & e minor
     

Oboe

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Two contrasting solos from etude books or standard solo repertoire (only one All-State etude may be used).
  • Grades 4-8: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, & G
  • Grades 9-10: All Majors one octave, except 2 octaves for B, C, Db, & D

*If student’s oboe has a low Bb key, please be prepared to play the Bb Major 2 octaves.

Clarinet & Trumpet

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Grades 4-8: G, C, F & Bb
  • Grades 9-10: Eb, Ab, Db & Gb

Bassoon

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Grades 4-8: F, Bb, Eb & Ab
  • Grades 9-10: Bb, Gb, B & E

French Horn

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Grades 4-8: C, F, Bb & Eb
  • Grades 9-10: Ab, Db, Gb & B

Trombone & Tuba

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Grades 4-8: F, Bb, Ab, & G
  • Grades 9-10: D & G minor, B & E

Percussion

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Two solos as noted above on pitched instrument
  • Must be able to sight-read rhythms and pitches
  • Basic techniques on pitched percussion instruments, snare drum and timpani, including basic snare drum rudiments
  • All major scales on pitched percussion instruments

Harp

All Grades & Instruments: Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles plus scales and techniques as outlined below (all scales from memory):

  • Two unaccompanied solos in contrasting styles
  • All major and minor scales

NOTE: Please contact the ASO Education Staff at asoeducation@atlantasymphony.org to ensure that proper arrangements can be made.