Admissions

Fill the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1–9NvKSLqecBJDv73oXwdr_gf9S1m-C1XGN4H1raG8Y/edit

The 7th New York Big Apple Music Festival officially invites talented young musicians across the Greater New York area to its NextGen Crossover Music Camp and Concert, proudly featuring The Young Soloist Program and The Youth Orchestra Training Program. Collaborating directly with Skillman Music Studio, New York’s leading classical recording studio, and the professional musicians of the New York International Symphony Orchestra (NYISO), this program offers rare orchestral accompaniment to give students vital concerto-playing experience and elevate their musical resumes. Participants will perform alongside world-class mentors and receive studio-quality, high-definition videos produced by Skillman Music—the perfect asset for upcoming competitions, conservatory auditions, and college applications.

Young Soloist Program

  • Open to all classical instruments and singers
  • Opportunity to perform and record with a professional orchestra
  • Score Reading and Conducting Class
  • 2 Guided Rehearsals with Orchestra (July 1st, 1 – 6 pm  &  July 6th,  2 – 6 pm )
  • Top-tier video and audio recording by Skillman Studio and records 
  • Media Features & Certifications
  • Fee: $2800
  • To meet NYISO’s instrumentation requirements, should the score require re-arrangement or modification, an additional charge of $150 to $250 will be incurred.
  • Final Concert July 7th 6:30pm at Dimenna Center 

About the orchestra:Founded in 2016 by the Paulus Hook Music Foundation, the New York International Symphony Orchestra (NYISO)comprises distinguished musicians from top-tier institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, The Juilliard School, and the Manhattan School of Music. NYISO commands a diverse repertoire spanning symphonic masterpieces, Broadway, and cross-genre music. Following its celebrated 2016 debut at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, the orchestra has headlined at the world’s most prestigious venues—including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center—and has shared the stage with world-class luminaries such as legendary pianist Lang Lang and celebrated violinist Randall Goosby. Driven by a mission to mentor talented youth and collaborate with elite soloists, NYISO actively shares the transformative power of music through its premier educational and performance programs.

About the orchestra: Founded in 2016 by the Paulus Hook Music Foundation, the New York International Symphony Orchestra (NYISO)comprises distinguished musicians from top-tier institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, The Juilliard School, and the Manhattan School of Music. NYISO commands a diverse repertoire spanning symphonic masterpieces, Broadway, and cross-genre music. Following its celebrated 2016 debut at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, the orchestra has headlined at the world’s most prestigious venues—including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center—and has shared the stage with world-class luminaries such as legendary pianist Lang Lang and celebrated violinist Randall Goosby. Driven by a mission to mentor talented youth and collaborate with elite soloists, NYISO actively shares the transformative power of music through its premier educational and performance programs.

The Youth Orchestra Program for Strings, Percussion and Piano（The repertoire will focus on jazz music styles）

  • 2 Guided Rehearsals (July 1st, 6:30-8:30pm  &  July 6th 6:30-8:30pm )
  • Final Concert July 7th 6:30pm at Dimenna Center 
  • Top-tier video and audio recording by Skillman Studio and records
  • Media Features & Certifications
  • Tuition：$730
  • For masterclass requests featuring piano, cello, or violin, as well as any other inquiries, please contact the organizing committee directly at newyorkbigapplemusicfestival@gmail.com

Application Deadline: June 16, 2026

Admissions & Financial Aid: Upon reviewing the applications, the organizer will notify accepted students via email by June 18, 2026. Merit-based scholarships are available for exceptional students.

Rehearsal Location:The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, Benzaquen Hall

Concert Location: The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, Cary Hall 

450 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018

About the recording team: Skillman Music 

Skillman Music is an award-winning, New York-based recording studio and independent classical label (Skillman Records). Fusing precision acoustic engineering with world-class artistry, Skillman has produced celebrated projects for an elite global roster, including Lang Lang, Tan Dun, Midori Goto, Emanuel Ax, Pinchas Zukerman, Joyce DiDonato, the New York Philharmonic, Lincoln Center, and The Juilliard School.