Application Process for the 2025-26 School Year
Please note: All dates are subject to change
Kindergarten
All families applying for Kindergarten are required to apply through NYC Public Schools's Kindergarten application at myschools.nyc. Kindergarten will be aligned with the admissions cycle of NYC Public Schools. Questions about the Kindergarten application process should be directed to esenrollment@schools.nyc.gov or by calling 718 935 2009.
Kindergarten applicants will be invited for in-person assessments appointments in early 2025. Following the assessments, Kindergarten applicants will only be contacted by Special Music School if they are invited to further assessment rounds or offered admission to Special Music School. Special Music School cannot contact or update families regarding enrollment status if they are not offered admission to Special Music School. All placement information will come from NYC Public Schools.
- Kindergarten Application Opens: December, 2024
- Kindergarten Application Closes: January 24, 2025
- Kindergarten Offer Release: TBA, 2025
1st Grade
All families applying for 1st grade should complete this form: 1st Grade Music Background Form
1st grade applicants will be invited for in-person assessments appointments in early 2025.
- 1st grade application deadline: January 31, 2025
Questions about the 1st grade application process should be directed to admissions@specialmusicschool.org.
All Kindergarten and 1st grade applicants will receive their assessment time and dates beginning early January 2025, with assessments beginning in January at Special Music School.
2nd-5th, 7th & 8th Grades (not 6th Grade)
All families applying for 2nd-5th, 7th & 8th grade should complete this form: 2nd-8th Grade Music Background Form
All 2nd-5th, 7th & 8th grade applicants must upload videos for a virtual first round of auditions. Special Music School will contact applicants who advance to a second round of live, in-person auditions, date TBD.
- 2nd-5th grade, 7th, and 8th grade application deadline: March 1, 2025
Questions about the 2nd-5th, 7th and 8th grade application process should be directed to admissions@specialmusicschool.org.
6th Grade
All families applying for 6th grade should complete this form: 2nd-8th Grade Music Background Form
In addition to completing the form above, all 6th grade applicants must fill out a middle school application and submit a video audition through the DOE at www.myschools.nyc. For details about the process, please visit www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/middle-school/MSAuditions
6th grade applicants will only be contacted by Special Music School if they are invited to further audition rounds or offered admission to Special Music School. Special Music School cannot contact or update families regarding enrollment status if they are not offered admission to Special Music School. All 6th grade placement information will come from the Department of Education.
Special Music School will contact applicants who advance to a second round of live, in-person auditions, date TBD.
- Middle School (6th Grade) Application Opens: Fall 2024
- Middle School Application Closes: December 20, 2024
- Middle School Offer Release: TBA April, 2025
Questions about the 6th grade/middle school application process should be directed to esenrollment@schools.nyc.gov or by calling 718 935 2009.
Eligible Instruments
We offer the following instrument majors within K-8: violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon.
We do not accept auditions in voice, guitar, ukulele, percussion/drums, saxophone, composition or harp at Special Music School in Kindergarten - 8th Grade.
Assessment and Audition Information
Grades K-1
Researchers, expert practitioners in early childhood education, and master musicians have worked to develop a reliable and valid measure of musical aptitude for use by Special Music School. This assessment includes hands-on, interactive musical tasks that focus on the child’s perception and performance. This assessment attempts to avoid cultural bias and is not dependent on prior music training. Through direct, systematic observation, data will be collected that will help us to evaluate your child’s musical potential, and his or her ability and desire to participate in an intensive musical program.
Grades 2-8
The initial audition is a video submission of prepared material and scales. Students who pass the video audition will be invited to an in-person audition which will include prepared pieces, scales, and may include sight reading and a brief ear training test. Students who do exceptionally well on the audition may be invited to interview for the school. Students in grades 4-8 may be asked to take a diagnostic theory placement exam, which will have no bearing on deciding admissions decisions.
