About the Program

Young musicians who are selected to be Anderson Artists are exceptionally dedicated to their musical studies in classical or jazz and are focused on achieving the highest levels of musical excellence. These emerging musicians and their families are provided the comprehensive support needed to reach their full potential.

Anderson Artists follow a pathway of learning, starting as Apprentices and advancing to Scholars. Students focus on making strides in their musicianship, individual practice regimens, and increasing their understanding of how to be a leader in ensembles. Simultaneously, families of Anderson Artists create support systems for their young musician, working closely with Play On Philly (POP) staff to provide the best opportunities and maintain a healthy balance between school and musical pursuits. Anderson Artists live in or go to school in Philadelphia, PA.

Program Components

Each Anderson Artist receives the following sustained support:

Weekly private instruction
Individual advisement for the young musician and family
Access to instruments, supplies, and music
Large and small ensemble and solo performance opportunity
Concert tickets and opportunities to meet and work with performing artists
Leadership opportunities
Masterclass participation
Supplemental lessons on piano, theory, improvisation, or score reading, when needed

Scholars Students also receive:

Audition and application guidance for summer music festivals; tuition assistance, when needed
Assistance in preparing for conservatory or music school
Courses on citizen artistry
Public speaking opportunities

Below is a sample of the program components for each track. Please note that this changes slightly based on the student’s area of study.

Apprentice

Weekly lessons
Daily practice
Studio Class (after-school programming)
Large Ensemble (after-school programming)
Honor’s Recitals twice a year
Summer Camp/festival attendance

Sample Week in the life of an Apprentice

Sunday
Individual practice: 1 hour

Monday
Music Center programming: 2 hours

Tuesday
Warm up for lesson: 15 min; Lesson: 45 min

Wednesday
Music Center programming: 2 hours

Thursday
Individual Practice: 1 hour

Friday
Music Center programming: 2 hours

Saturday
Individual Practice: 1 hour

Most of our Apprentices participate in after-school programming through Play On Philly (POP). Students who attend school outside of a POP Music Center are encouraged to join another after-school music program to fulfill their large-ensemble requirements. Some of our older Apprentices will be invited to join the Chamber Music program offered through POP. All Apprentices will be required to join the POP Children’s Orchestra for the Jubilee Concert in May each year.

Scholars

Weekly lessons
Daily practice
Theory Class (September-May)
Large Ensemble
Honors Recitals twice a year
Summer Festival attendance

Sample Week in the life of a Scholar

Sunday
Practice: 2 hours

Monday
Warm-up for lesson: 30 min
Lesson – 1 hour

Tuesday
Chamber Ensemble: 2 hours
Practice: 1-2 hours

Wednesday
Theory Class: 1.5 hours
Practice: 1-2 hours

Thursday
Practice: 2 hours

Friday
Practice: 2 hours

Saturday
Large Ensemble Rehearsal: 2 hours

Apply

Applications are closed for Spring 2024. However, we will review applications on a rolling basis.
Our next audition cycle will open in Spring of 2025.

Apply Now

Recent Anderson Artist Accomplishments

Scholar Highlights:

Clarinetist Zakyya opened for internationally acclaimed chamber ensemble Imani Winds at Philadelphia Chamber Music Society’s community concert in West Philadelphia.
Tuba player Keith was appointed as first tuba of the All City Orchestra, District Band/Orchestra, and All State Wind Ensemble’s 2024 spring festivals.
Jazz Guitarist Andre was chosen as the music category winner in the Zeta Iota Iota Philly Chapter’s Talent Hunt Competition in March 2024.
Composer Rhyuhn was awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Fellowship and appeared on NPR’s From the Top.
Two Scholars are invited to tour Columbia, South America with the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles’s touring orchestra, Fall 2024.

Apprentice Highlights:

Harpist Chloé competed in the Kansas City Chapter of the American Harp Society in April 2024 and placed 3nd in her division.
Composer Zihem had a world premiere of his piece During the Afternoon for clarinet, horn, piano in Dublin, NH, summer 2024
Three apprentices participated in intensive summer music programs across the country in 2024

Alumni Highlights

Composer Rhyuhn was awarded the Kovner Fellowship to attend The Juilliard School
Jazz Drummer Andrew was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music
Jazz Guitarist, Andre was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music