Tanglewood Music Center
Instrumental Program Application Instructions
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Applications for the 2026 Instrumental Program are now closed.
Requirements
- Online application must be completed by January 22, 2026 at 11:59PM Eastern for those giving live auditions, and February 3, 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern for those giving video auditions.
- Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center must be at least 18 years old as of June 26, 2026.
- Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the 2026 TMC residency, June 26 – August 17.
- Applicants to the 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 within 2 business days. 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.
Please note that audition sign-ups will become available in late November.
2026 Audition Tour Dates
A TMC faculty member will be present at most live auditions. All live auditions are recorded for review by additional faculty in Boston. Dates are subject to change. All dates are in 2026.
Live audition scheduling for the 2026 season has closed. If you have issues with your scheduled audition, please email tmc@bso.org. No phone calls, please.
Video Auditions
Applicants may submit a video in lieu of a live audition. Video auditions must be submitted along with online applications by February 3, 2026 at 11:59PM Eastern.
All video recordings must meet the following criteria:
- Recordings must contain all audition repertoire in the order listed.
- All pieces must be played unaccompanied.
- 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.)
- Recordings must be captured 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.
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.