Baltimore-Washington Musical Pathways

The Baltimore-Washington Musical Pathways (BWMP) is a collaborative initiative that works to champion a collective approach to diversifying American orchestral classical music and musicians by supporting young musicians from diverse backgrounds who aspire to have careers in music. This initiative brings together key partners from the Baltimore-Washington region—the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), the DC Youth Orchestra Program, and Levine Music.

The mission of the Baltimore-Washington Musical Pathways (BWMP) is to prepare and support student musicians in grades 8 through 12 from communities historically underrepresented in U.S. orchestras to study at music conservatories or as music majors at four-year colleges and universities.

Talented and highly motivated students from the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas will receive high-quality, individual instruction from the region’s leading instructors. Activities that students will also participate in include performing with regional youth orchestras, master classes with professional musicians from the NSO and Peabody Conservatory, side-by-sides and on-stage performing, and attending professional concerts. BWMP also offers experiential opportunities including regional convenings, internal and external summer learning, immersive cultural experiences, coaching support, instrument support, and support for parents and families as students develop and deepen their musical learning. BWMP is excited to bring in other organizations whose missions align with the work of the collective to provide experiences and services outside of the cohort’s purview.

With grateful appreciation to

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Eligibility

Applicants must be highly driven, dedicated, and interested in pursuing a professional career in classical music.

Applicants must be rising 8th-12th grade students, residing within the Baltimore/Washington metro region.

Eligible students must play the following orchestral instruments:

Violin, viola, cello, double bass
Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone
Horn, trumpet, trombone/bass trombone, tuba & euphonium
Percussion, harp

FAQ

Weekly private instrumental lessons with highly qualified Peabody instructors
Peabody youth and/or wind orchestra experience
Peabody chamber music coaching provided by highly qualified Peabody instructors
Instruction in music theory and musicianship
Performance opportunities (solo, chamber and orchestral/large ensemble)
Musical enrichment experiences (Concert tickets, backstage access, masterclasses, visiting artists at the KC/BSO)
a study of musical entrepreneurial skills
teaching, professional development, and college preparation
Financial assistance with professional level instrument purchase
Academic tutoring/additional academic wraparound services, if needed
Audition support, preparation, and travel assistance
Financial support for the college/conservatory application process
Financial assistance for summer learning opportunities (regional or national)
Family support including lessons in Tuned-In for siblings, counseling, transportation, and music career education mentoring
One on one mentoring for emotional, physical, academic, musical well-being
Periodic progress assessments and review of goals
Access to the Arthur Friedheim Music Library
Access to unique opportunities with BWMP partners
Musical exchanges or convenings between the two cohorts – one in Washington and one in Baltimore each academic year.

Students from other racial groups, while not eligible for this program, are eligible to be considered for the Peabody Preparatory’s Tuned-In program. Students from other instrumental ensemble genres (American Roots) are also eligible for consideration in for Tuned-In.

Email peabodyprep@jhu.edu to set up a zoom audition.

Pathways Student Resources