Register to Play with MYS:
Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 season!
We recommend that students have at least one year of experience before auditioning for an MYS ensemble. Musicians may enroll in an MYS ensemble until they turn 21.
Register by filling out the registration form, and completing the steps below.
- Fill out the Registration Form [English] or Formulario de registro [Español] (mandatory)
- Pay the non-refundable $40 Registration Fee (mandatory)
- Note: The $40 registration fee is automatically waived for students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch or were part of the Beginning Strings program.
- Fill out the Medical Form [English] or Formulario Médico [Español] (mandatory)
- Fill out the Volunteer Form (optional)
Music Theory classes (open to all MYS students)
Music Theory registration will open this summer for the 2024-2025 season! Learn more about the program here.
Music Theory & Composition Program – Click for information
- All classes will meet online for the 2024-2025 season.
- Classes are offered Monday or Tuesday evening. Classes last about an hour.
- Music Theory tuition is still To Be Determined for the 2024-2025 season.
- To enroll in these classes, complete the Music Theory Registration Form in addition to the main ensemble registration form. (Registration will open in Summer 2024)
- New students will be given a music theory assessment in September to help us accurately place students in one of the 5 levels (Music Theory Fundamentals, Theory I, II, III, and IV).
- Music Theory classes are not required. Still all MYS students are encouraged to enroll.
Auditions
All new and returning* MYS students audition before the start of each season. This ensures that students are placed in the best ensemble for their ability level. The MYS artistic team of conductors determines which ensemble is the best fit for each student.
We offer Live and Video Auditions for the 2024-2025 season. Click for information.
Live Auditions: Students schedule their Live Audition date in the Registration Form. Live auditions will include solo repertoire and scales, as well as a sight-reading exercise. A confirmation email with the selected live audition date & time will be emailed after the registration process has been completed. String students may audition in Hillsboro or Portland. Wind, brass, percussion or Jazz students must select from the Portland audition dates/times.
Video Auditions: Self-recorded video auditions will consist of 2 parts: solo repertoire and scales and excerpts. The excerpts will be sent to students on a scheduled date and will take the place of sight-reading that occurs in the live audition. Students schedule their excerpt exercise in the registration form. A confirmation email with information about how to submit video auditions will be emailed to you after the registration process is completed.
Custom dates for Live Auditions or Scheduled Excerpts may be requested via the registration form. A member of the MYS Staff will reach out to you to schedule a date and time for your student to complete their audition. Contact programs@playmys.org if you have questions.
Learn more about auditions and important dates for the 2024-2025 season by following the links below!
*Note: Students enrolled in Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and/or Jazz Ensemble for the 2023-24 Season who wish to continue playing in their respective groups do not need to re-audition if they register by June 16, 2024. These returning students who register after June 16, 2024 may be asked to re-audition.
2024-2025 Tuition
MYS families pay tuition after receiving their placement into an ensemble.
2023-2024 Full Season Tuition Click for information
Full Season Tuition includes participation in all three terms (Fall, Winter, & Spring) from September 7, 2024 through the final concert for each ensemble in May or June 2025.
*2023-2024 Full Season tuition was $895. 2024-2025 Tuition is to be determined.
- The 2024-2025 Full Season tuition rate for all ensembles is TBD. Tuition is due Friday, August 30, 2024, or within one week after student’s first rehearsal if starting after September 7th or 8th.
- Sibling discounts are offered:
- 1st enrolled student: TBD (full rate)
- 2nd enrolled student: TBD (10% discount)
- 3rd+ enrolled student(s): TBD (add’tl 10% discount off 2nd student rate)
- A $25 late fee will be assessed for any payments received after August 30th or later than one week after student’s first rehearsal if starting after September 7th or 8th.
- Students starting after the first rehearsal on September 7th or 8th will receive a tuition due date upon placement in an ensemble.
- We offer Tuition Assistance. Please apply online or fill out a tuition assistance application (English, Spanish) and mail with required documents to the MYS office.
- Installment Plans are available. For information about paying by installment, contact Sarah McLain at programs@playmys.org.
- Tuition is non-refundable.
- No student is turned away for lack of ability to pay, please contact us for more information.
2024-2025 Winter Start Tuition Click for information
MYS offers a pro-rated tuition rate for student joining MYS at the Winter term. This pro-rated tuition covers the remaining 2 terms of the season, through the final concert for each ensemble which occurs in May or June 2025. Winter term rehearsals begin in late November or early December depending on the ensemble. Students will be placed on a rolling basis through early January.
*2023-2024 Winter Start tuition was $710. 2024-2025 Tuition is to be determined.
- The 2024-2025 Winter Start tuition rate for all ensembles is TBD. Tuition is due Friday, December 6, 2024, or within one week after student’s first rehearsal if starting after December 7th.
- Sibling discounts are offered:
- 1st enrolled student: TBD (full rate)
- 2nd enrolled student: TBD (10% discount)
- 3rd+ enrolled student(s): TBD (add’tl 10% discount off 2nd student rate)
Tuition & Registration FAQs
Do you offer Tuition Assistance?
Yes, we do! MYS believes that every student deserves access to music education, regardless of their background or economic circumstance. No student is turned away for lack of ability to pay. Please review the Financial Aid page for more information about Tuition Assistance.
Do you offer Installment Plans?
Yes, MYS offers 2, 3, and 4 payment plans. To enroll, fill out the installment form and return it to the office with your first payment. If you have any questions about installments or need to break down payments further, contact Sarah McLain, programs@playmys.org.
When does the 2024-2025 MYS Season begin and end?
Rehearsals for the 2024-2025 season begin on Saturday, September 7th or Sunday, September 8th. The season ends with each ensembles’ final concert which will occur in May or June 2025.
I have a conflict with a Fall activity, can I join MYS later in the season?
MYS is a full-year program but students may join MYS at the Winter or Spring terms, based on availability, and will be offered a pro-rated tuition rate for participation in the remainder of the season.
How should I pay tuition?
When students receive their placement, the placement email will include tuition information. Please wait until your student receives a placement to pay tuition.
- We accept check, cash, or credit card payments.
- Tuition may be paid via credit card through the MYS website or by calling the MYS Office, (503) 239-4566. There is a 2% surcharge for credit card payments.
- Checks may be mailed or dropped off at the MYS Office, 4800 S Macadam Ave, Ste 105, Portland, OR 97239. We recommend that cash payments be made in person at the MYS Office. Please include the Tuition & Committment Form with your payment.
- Payments are not accepted at rehearsal sites.
Is the registration fee refundable?
The $40 registration fee is not refundable. If you have questions about this, please call the MYS office, 503-239-4566, or contact programs@playmys.org.
Are tuition fees refundable?
Tuition payments are not refundable. If you have questions about this, please call the MYS office, 503-239-4566, or contact programs@playmys.org.
Is there a discount or credit if my student takes a break mid-season or does not complete the season?
There are no discounts, refunds, or credits available for students who begin the season in September and take a mid-season break or finish the season early. If you have questions about this, please call the MYS office, 503-239-4566, or contact programs@playmys.org.