WHAT IS THE BLOOMINGDALE TRAINING PROGRAM (BTP)?
The Bloomingdale Training Program (BTP) is our advanced training track for motivated music students looking to deepen their skills through performance, collaboration, and musicianship. Now in its updated format, BTP continues to support student growth while expanding access and flexibility. Participation requires enrollment in one private lesson and one ensemble or chamber group. A theory class is optional but strongly encouraged to support musical growth and understanding.
In addition, participating students will have opportunities to engage in guest masterclasses, performance evaluations, recitals, and chamber or ensemble concerts. They’ll also benefit from ongoing mentorship from their program coordinator throughout their time in the program. Current areas of study in BTP include Guitar, Piano, and Strings.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF BTP?
Students will be enrolled in 2 -3 components based both on their choosing and their placement by coordinators. Below outlines options for optimum success based on where the student is in their learning:
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private Lessons of 45 minutes or 60 minutes are essential for growth. Students will choose which length of their lessons work for them.
ENSEMBLES
Students will choose to participate in 8 week chamber, 17 week chamber, 17 week large group ensemble, or a combination of these options.
MUSIC THEORY*
*Optional: Student will be placed in a theory class by our Program Coordinators based on their ability level. Adding this to your package awards 10% off BTP tuition.
Any one who is accepted into BTP receives a discount on a sliding scale based on household income. Those who opt-in for all three components of BTP (private lesson, ensemble, and theory) will receive an additional 10% discount on tuition. Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!
Need some assistance?
Contact our student services team at registrar@bsmny.org.
Click below to see more details about each individual Bloomingdale Training Program:
BTP: GUITAR
Program Coordinator:
Dr. José Maldonado
Category A: Private Lessons
Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries. Lesson options are:
45 Minute Lessons
60 Minute Lessons
Category B: Ensembles
Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:
Guitar Orchestra
Advanced Guitar Ensemble
Youth Jazz Ensemble
Chamber Ensembles
Category C: Music Theory (optional)
Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training. Those classes are:
Music Theory 101
Music Theory 201
Music Theory 301
Theory for Guitarists
Student Eligibility:
1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
The BTP guitar program has an upper age limit of 17, with no minimum starting age. To participate, the student and their family must commit to three weekly classes: a guitar lesson, ensemble playing, and music theory. Additionally, dedication to studying and adequate preparation for each class is essential for success in the program.
(Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
(New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.
Tuition:
Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!
Program Coordinator:
Dr. José Maldonado
Category A: Private Lessons
Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries. Lesson options are:
Category B: Ensembles
Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:
Category C: Music Theory (optional)
Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training. Those classes are:
Student Eligibility:
- 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
- The BTP guitar program has an upper age limit of 17, with no minimum starting age. To participate, the student and their family must commit to three weekly classes: a guitar lesson, ensemble playing, and music theory. Additionally, dedication to studying and adequate preparation for each class is essential for success in the program.
- (Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
- (New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.
Tuition:
Students must audition before registering, either in person or by submitting a video recording. Select your preferred audition option for the Intermediate Chamber Orchestra at the button below.
Interested? Read more below about next steps.
For More Details Contact:
jmaldonado@bsmny.org
BTP: PIANO
Program Coordinator:
Monica Verona
Category A: Private Lessons
Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.
45 Minute Lessons
60 Minute Lessons
Category B: Ensembles
Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:
Chamber Ensembles
Children’s Chorus
Center Stage
Broadway Ensemble
Youth Jazz Ensemble
Category C: Music Theory (optional)
Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.
Music Theory 101
Music Theory 201
Music Theory 301
Student Eligibility:
Ages 8 – 13 years
1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
(Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
(New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.
Tuition:
Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!
Program Coordinator:
Monica Verona
Category A: Private Lessons
Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.
Category B: Ensembles
Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:
- Chamber Ensembles
- Children’s Vocal Ensemble
- Center Stage
- Broadway Ensemble
- Youth Jazz Ensemble
- Beginner or Intermediate Orchestra
Category C: Music Theory (optional)
Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.
Student Eligibility:
- Ages 8 – 13 years
- 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
- (Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
- (New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.
Tuition:
Students must audition before registering, either in person or by submitting a video recording. Select your preferred audition option for the Intermediate Chamber Orchestra at the button below.
Interested? Read more below about next steps.
For More Details Contact:
mverona@bsmny.org
BTP: STRINGS
Program Coordinator:
Veronica Carpenter
Category A: Private Lessons
Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.
45 Minute Lessons
60 Minute Lessons
Category B: Ensembles
Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:
Beginner Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra
Chamber Ensembles
Category C: Music Theory (optional)
Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.
Music Theory 101
Music Theory 201
Music Theory 301
Student Eligibility:
Ages 8 – 13 years
1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
(Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
(New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.
Tuition:
Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!
Program Coordinator:
Veronica Carpenter
Category A: Private Lessons
Students will receive private lessons with a faculty member of their choosing and should expect to practice one hour daily. Students will prepare at least two contrasting solo pieces and perform in bi-annual juries.
Category B: Ensembles
Students must choose at least one ensemble to play in every semester. Available ensembles for this instrument include:
Category C: Music Theory (optional)
Upon a music theory placement test, students will attend the appropriate weekly 45-minute music theory course including both lecture and ear training.
Student Eligibility:
- Ages 8 – 13 years
- 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument.
- (Current BSM students) Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program
- (New students) Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Coordinator.
Tuition:
Students must audition before registering, either in person or by submitting a video recording. Select your preferred audition option for the Intermediate Chamber Orchestra at the button below.
Interested? Read more below about next steps.
For More Details Contact:
vcarpenter@bsmny.org
What you need to know
Interested? Contact the BTP Coordinator of your chosen instrument via email to schedule your placement audition. After the audition, the registration team will reach out to the family directly with the tuition calculator and to plan the student’s schedule.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
- 1-2 years of private study on primary instrument
- Current BSM students: Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program and the work that it will take to prepare for biannual juries and extra performances.
- New students to BSM: Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Instrument Coordinator
FEES & TUITION
- To participate in BTP, students pay a $200 program fee. This fee supports the many benefits of the program, including guest artist masterclasses, recital performances, performance evaluations (juries), and participation in chamber and ensemble concerts.
- BTP students follow a schedule modeled after that of a developing professional musician, with private lessons, ensemble work, and optional music theory classes. In return, they receive tuition discounts based on a sliding scale — plus an additional 10% off when they opt into music theory. Curious what your tuition might look like? It may be less than you think! Use our calculator below to explore your estimate now.
Interested? Contact the BTP Coordinator of your chosen instrument via email to schedule your placement audition. After the audition, the registration team will reach out to the family directly with the tuition calculator and to plan the student’s schedule.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
1-2 years of private study on primary instrument
Current BSM students: Recommendation of private teacher that student is ready for a comprehensive music program and the work that it will take to prepare for biannual juries and extra performances.
New students to BSM: Conversation and playing assessment with BTP Instrument Coordinator
FEES & TUITION
To participate in BTP, students pay a $200 program fee. This fee supports the many benefits of the program, including guest artist masterclasses, recital performances, performance evaluations (juries), and participation in chamber and ensemble concerts.
BTP students follow a schedule modeled after that of a developing professional musician, with private lessons, ensemble work, and optional music theory classes. In return, they receive tuition discounts based on a sliding scale — plus an additional 10% off when they opt into music theory. Curious what your tuition might look like? It might be less than you think! Use our calculator below to explore your estimate now.
application deadline
Applications will be accepted throughout the school year.
Audition date
Auditions are scheduled individually with Program Coordinator. (These are placement auditions and does not determine acceptance to the program.)
Semester Tuition
Tuition is calculated based on students participation levels. A BTP fee is required for all students. A sliding scale discount is available based on family income and an additional 10% discount on tuition is provided for BTP students enrolled in all 3 components (including Music Theory). Calculate your personal BTP tuition at the calculator below and see how much you can save!
Questions and Information
José Maldonado
Director of Guitar Studies
Monica Verona
Director of Piano Studies
Veronica Carpenter
Director of Strings Studies
Ready to Join the Bloomingdale Community?
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New York, NY 10025
212.663.6021
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