{"id":612,"date":"2022-01-03T13:33:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T18:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/?page_id=612"},"modified":"2026-03-04T00:15:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T05:15:19","slug":"applynow","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/applynow\/","title":{"rendered":"APPLY NOW! Pathways Audition Information"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message style=&#8221;square&#8221; message_box_color=&#8221;danger&#8221; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-music&#8221;]Thank you for your interest in the Eastman Pathways Program!\u00a0Please carefully <strong>review the program information below<\/strong> before starting your online application.[\/vc_message][vc_tta_tabs style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;green&#8221; active_section=&#8221;1&#8243; no_fill_content_area=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1704901067372{background-color: #ffffff !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}&#8221;][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-question&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; title=&#8221;What is Pathways?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1640209950359-7a26b7e5-2e03&#8243;][vc_column_text]Pathways is a <strong>scholarship program<\/strong> created specifically for <strong>music students in the Rochester City School District<\/strong>. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">All music students in <strong>grades 4-11<\/strong>, who are enrolled in a city school, are eligible to apply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our students receive a wide array of performance and education opportunities at a <strong>world-class music school<\/strong> right here in Rochester, NY. Pathways scholarships cover private lessons, ensembles and classes at the Eastman Community Music School, located at 10 Gibbs Street.<\/p>\n<p><strong>DID YOU KNOW? <\/strong>Pathways graduates are <strong>eligible for a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">full scholarship<\/span>\u00a0to the Eastman School of Music<\/strong> upon graduation from the Pathways Program and acceptance to Eastman.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-dollar-sign&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; title=&#8221;Cost&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1640210652227-fdf9594c-bdb9&#8243;][vc_column_text]Acceptance to Pathways is not based on income. Any student in the Rochester City School District may apply, regardless of income level. Pathways will award scholarships to accepted students based on the income\/tax information submitted with the application and, in some cases, other special circumstances. The amount each student will pay for the program will differ, based on their financial information.<\/p>\n<p>In order to receive a\u00a0<strong>full scholarship<\/strong>, students must meet the criteria below, part of our sliding-scale criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Families making under $40,000 per year receive a full scholarship.<\/li>\n<li>Families of 3 pay nothing if their income is less than $43K or under<\/li>\n<li>Families of 4 pay nothing if their income is $53K or under<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Students whose families make <strong>more<\/strong> than the amounts listed above will <strong>receive a scholarship amount based on a\u00a0sliding scale<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We will look at your income information and determine the scholarship amount you will receive.<\/li>\n<li>The family will be responsible for any remaining tuition payments not covered by their scholarship.<\/li>\n<li>Because we individually calculate the scholarship for each family, there is no &#8220;set&#8221; amount that Pathways will cost for those who do not receive a full-scholarship award.All accepted students will receive a scholarship award letter, which must be signed and accepted before the student can enroll in the Pathways program. Families will know all costs they are responsible for (if any) before enrolling in the program.Feel free to email us if you have additional questions!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-pen&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; title=&#8221;How to Apply&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1640209950360-e9a61434-cb7c&#8221;][vc_column_text]All students in the Rochester City School district, in grades 4-11, who attend an RCSD school are eligible to apply\/<\/p>\n<p>Students must apply and audition to be accepted into the Pathways Program. Below are the steps for the application process:<\/p>\n<p><strong>**The student must be in grades 4-11 and currently enrolled in an RCSD school.**\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>APPLICATION STEPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Student speaks with their RCSD Music Teacher about applying<\/li>\n<li>Student fills out online application (includes family tax\/income information)<\/li>\n<li>After the student submits online application, RCSD Teacher receives a link to fill out an online recommendation form<\/li>\n<li>Student performs a\u00a0 live audition at end of April<\/li>\n<li>Audition results emailed in mid-May<\/li>\n<li>Accepted students begin lessons and classes the following Fall semester<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-check&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; title=&#8221;Audition Requirements&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1641234196553-cfd8f40e-0d16&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><u>WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE AUDITIONS? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Students will be prompted to choose an audition date and time as part of the online application. Auditions happen at the Eastman School of Music during the last week of April.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><u>WHAT<\/u><\/strong><strong><u> DOES THE STUDENT PLAY FOR THE AUDITION? <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Singers and instrumentalists must prepare a solo piece and will also be asked to play scales, rudiments or warmups on their instrument. See the audition specifics listed below:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>VOCAL AUDITION: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<li>Singers perform vocal warmups<\/li>\n<li>Singers perform a NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher) OR equivalent repertoire from the standard classical, musical theater or jazz repertoire at the discretion of their teachers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The student may also choose one of the standard songs on the list below:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">America (My Country, \u2018tis of Thee)<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Simple Gifts<br \/>\nDe Colores<br \/>\nFollow the Drinking Gourd<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION : <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<li>Instrumentalists perform 2-3 scales of the student\u2019s choice. Percussionists\/drummers perform basic rudiments.<\/li>\n<li>Instrumentalists perform a NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher) <strong>OR <\/strong>choose a Method Book selection from the list provided below.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">** <strong>The instrumental selection MUST be from the latest edition of the NYSSMA Manual or from the approved list of Method book selections. <\/strong>Other repertoire will NOT be accepted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><u>APPROVED LIST OF METHOD BOOK SOLOS \u2013 OR CHOOSE <em>ANY NYSSMA SOLO<\/em><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>String Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Essential Elements Book 1<br \/>\nBanana Boat Song <\/strong>\u2013 Page 30 #117 <strong>Surprise Symphony Theme <\/strong>\u2013 Page 42 #182 <strong>Simple Gifts (Part A) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 45 #192 <strong>Minuet No. 1 (Solo) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 46 #193<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Band Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Sound Innovations Book 1 \u2013 Winds Surprise Symphony \u2013 <\/strong>Page 37 #166 <strong>Scarborough Fair (Solo) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 39 #173 <strong>Molly Malone (Part A) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 30 #175 <strong>O Canada <\/strong>\u2013 Page 42 #181<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Sound Innovations Book 1 \u2013 Percussion Ode to Joy (snare) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 27 #107 <strong>Alouette (snare) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 32 #134 <strong>Just For Drums (Snare Solo) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 39 #173 <strong>Grant Us Peace (snare) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 42 #182<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><u>VOCAL SELECTIONS FOR PATHWAYS:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Any NYSSMA Solo or a song from the standard jazz, classical or musical theater repertoire.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>The student may also choose to sing one of the standard songs below:<br \/>\n<\/em>America (My Country, \u2018tis of Thee)<br \/>\nSimple Gifts<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">De Colores<br \/>\nFollow the Drinking Gourd<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-music&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; title=&#8221;Audition Rep List&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1641238396560-1ecc05c4-fdf0&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>VOCAL AUDITION: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<li>Singers perform vocal warmups<\/li>\n<li>Singers perform a NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher) OR equivalent repertoire from the standard classical, musical theater or jazz repertoire at the discretion of their teachers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The student may also choose one of the standard songs on the list below:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">America (My Country, \u2018tis of Thee)<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Simple Gifts<br \/>\nDe Colores<br \/>\nFollow the Drinking Gourd<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION : <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<li>Instrumentalists perform 2-3 scales of the student\u2019s choice. Percussionists\/drummers perform basic rudiments.<\/li>\n<li>Instrumentalists perform a NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher) <strong>OR <\/strong>choose a Method Book selection from the list provided below.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">** <strong>The instrumental selection MUST be from the latest edition of the NYSSMA Manual or from the approved list of Method book selections. <\/strong>Other repertoire will NOT be accepted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><u>APPROVED LIST OF METHOD BOOK SOLOS \u2013 OR CHOOSE <em>ANY NYSSMA SOLO<\/em><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>String Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Essential Elements Book 1<br \/>\nBanana Boat Song <\/strong>\u2013 Page 30 #117 <strong>Surprise Symphony Theme <\/strong>\u2013 Page 42 #182 <strong>Simple Gifts (Part A) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 45 #192 <strong>Minuet No. 1 (Solo) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 46 #193<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Band Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Sound Innovations Book 1 \u2013 Winds Surprise Symphony \u2013 <\/strong>Page 37 #166 <strong>Scarborough Fair (Solo) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 39 #173 <strong>Molly Malone (Part A) <\/strong>\u2013 Page 30 #175 <strong>O Canada <\/strong>\u2013 Page 42 #181<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Sound Innovations Book 1 \u2013 Percussion Ode to Joy (snare) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 27 #107 <strong>Alouette (snare) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 32 #134 <strong>Just For Drums (Snare Solo) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 39 #173 <strong>Grant Us Peace (snare) <\/strong>&#8211; Page 42 #182<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><u>VOCAL SELECTIONS FOR PATHWAYS:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Any NYSSMA Solo or a song from the standard jazz, classical or musical theater repertoire.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><em>The student may also choose to sing one of the standard songs below:<br \/>\n<\/em>America (My Country, \u2018tis of Thee)<br \/>\nSimple Gifts<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">De Colores<br \/>\nFollow the Drinking Gourd<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][vc_message message_box_style=&#8221;solid-icon&#8221; message_box_color=&#8221;danger&#8221; icon_type=&#8221;pixelicons&#8221; icon_pixelicons=&#8221;vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-explanation&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<b>RCSD Teacher Recommendations: <\/b>RCSD Teachers will receive a link to fill out the recommendation AFTER their student fills out the application.[\/vc_message][vc_text_separator title=&#8221;PRINTABLE FLYERS FOR RCSD TEACHERS &amp; STUDENTS&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Feel free to print, email or otherwise share the flyers below with your students, friends and family!<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/files\/Student-Flyer_Bookmark_2025.pdf\">Student Flyer: Bookmark Style<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/files\/Student-Flyer_Full-page_2025.pdf\">Student Flyer: Full Page<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/files\/Pathways-Information-Sheet_2026.docx\">Pathways Information Sheet: Full Page (Includes list of audition repertoire)<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=&#8221;APPLICATION FORMS&#8221; border_width=&#8221;4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"font-size: 24pt\"><em><strong><span style=\"color: #339966\">Application Period is now OPEN!!<\/span> <\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>_________<\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt\"><strong>DEADLINES 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">Application Deadline: April 14<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">Audition Dates: Sunday, May 3 (additional audition day to be added)\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\"><em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>_________<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>To complete the online application form, you will need:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1. Student information (contact, etc.)<\/p>\n<p>2. Parent\/guardian information (contact, etc.)<\/p>\n<p>3. RCSD Teacher email address<\/p>\n<p>4. Financial information<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>adjusted gross income<\/li>\n<li>tax filing status<\/li>\n<li>a scan\/photo of page 1 of your 1040 form or proof of supplemental income<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>5. Your calendar so that you can schedule a live audition[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; color=&#8221;success&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fform.jotform.com%2F260095364878166|title:APPLY%20NOW!|target:_blank&#8221; el_id=&#8221;https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/pathways-student-application\/&#8221;][vc_separator][vc_separator][vc_message message_box_style=&#8221;solid-icon&#8221; style=&#8221;square&#8221; message_box_color=&#8221;green&#8221; icon_type=&#8221;pixelicons&#8221; icon_pixelicons=&#8221;vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-info&#8221;]<strong>GOT QUESTIONS?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Email us! We would love to answer any questions and help you through the application process!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:eastmanpathways@esm.rochester.edu\">eastmanpathways@esm.rochester.edu\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message][vc_btn title=&#8221;Home Page&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esm.rochester.edu%2Fpathways%2F&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message style=&#8221;square&#8221; message_box_color=&#8221;danger&#8221; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-music&#8221;]Thank you for your interest in the Eastman Pathways Program!\u00a0Please carefully review the program information below before starting your online application.[\/vc_message][vc_tta_tabs style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;green&#8221; active_section=&#8221;1&#8243; no_fill_content_area=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1704901067372{background-color: #ffffff !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}&#8221;][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-question&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; title=&#8221;What is Pathways?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1640209950359-7a26b7e5-2e03&#8243;][vc_column_text]Pathways is a scholarship program created specifically for music&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":262,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"coauthors":[3],"class_list":["post-612","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/262"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=612"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":863,"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/612\/revisions\/863"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.esm.rochester.edu\/pathways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}