Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra
Applications have closed for the 2026-2027 season.
Updated July 22, 2026
The Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra (MYPO) is a string-only orchestra, open to students between grades 6 (six) through 8 (eight) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students will participate in weekly rehearsals, working with current SMTD Faculty and Students, preparing and performing challenging string orchestra repertoire in U-M’s historic Hill Auditorium!
Rehearsal Information
Time: Sundays, 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Hankinson Rehearsal Hall
E. V. Moore Music Building
(U-M North Campus, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
All rehearsals / events will take place at this regular time and location unless otherwise noted.
MYPO Season Schedule
Instructors
Conductor / Faculty Director – Michael Hopkins
Chair of Music Education / Professor of Music
Michael Hopkins is professor and chair of Music Education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he teaches courses in string techniques, orchestra methods, research methods, and the psychology of music. He has been a guest conductor at over 100 orchestra festivals and clinics throughout the United States, and has given over 60 presentations at national, international, and state music education conferences on various topics in string education and music technology. He is very active as a composer and arranger, and has composed and arranged over 70 published works for orchestra. His music is published by Alfred Music Publishing, Grand Mesa Music, Kendor Music Publishing, Inc., and J.W. Pepper’s MyScore. His works have been commissioned by many schools and ensembles throughout the U.S.
He is the author of The Art of String Teaching, a comprehensive string pedagogy resource for pre-service teachers, professional orchestra conductors, teachers of group string classes, and private studio teachers. The Art of String Teaching has a complementary YouTube channel, a pedagogical resource with over 100 videos demonstrating all aspects of string technique.
Hopkins has published articles in the Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music Education, CRME Bulletin, Music Education Research, Journal of Music, Technology and Education, American String Teacher, String Research Journal, the Music Educators’ Journal, and The Instrumentalist.
Hopkins is the director of the Michigan String Educators Workshop and the U-M Bass Bash Festival. He serves on the board of the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and has served on several national committees, including the Collegiate Committee and the Research Committee.
Michael Hopkins
Chair of Music Education / Professor of Music
Michael Hopkins is professor and chair of Music Education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he teaches courses in string techniques, orchestra methods, research methods, and the psychology of music. He has been a guest conductor at over 100 orchestra festivals and clinics throughout the United States, and has given over 60 presentations at national, international, and state music education conferences on various topics in string education and music technology. He is very active as a composer and arranger, and has composed and arranged over 70 published works for orchestra. His music is published by Alfred Music Publishing, Grand Mesa Music, Kendor Music Publishing, Inc., and J.W. Pepper’s MyScore. His works have been commissioned by many schools and ensembles throughout the U.S.
He is the author of The Art of String Teaching, a comprehensive string pedagogy resource for pre-service teachers, professional orchestra conductors, teachers of group string classes, and private studio teachers. The Art of String Teaching has a complementary YouTube channel, a pedagogical resource with over 100 videos demonstrating all aspects of string technique.
Hopkins has published articles in the Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music Education, CRME Bulletin, Music Education Research, Journal of Music, Technology and Education, American String Teacher, String Research Journal, the Music Educators’ Journal, and The Instrumentalist.
Hopkins is the director of the Michigan String Educators Workshop and the U-M Bass Bash Festival. He serves on the board of the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and has served on several national committees, including the Collegiate Committee and the Research Committee.
Auditions & Eligibility
Auditions for the 2026-2027 season have closed. Check back in December 2026 for application / audition information for our next season.
Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra Audition Requirements
Students must submit a Michigan Youth Ensembles application and pay a non-refundable $30 application fee before their audition date. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on financial need (please view financial aid information below). Be sure to select your audition time after you submit your MYE application. Auditions are held IN-PERSON in the Earl V. Moore Music Building.
Students interested in auditioning for MYPO should prepare the following materials for their MYE audition:
- Scales: Play the following scales from memory in eighth notes, with a minimum tempo of quarter note = 60.
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- Violin: 2-octave D major and F major scales.
- Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: 2-octave G major and B-flat major scales.
- Solo: Play 1-2 minutes from a solo piece demonstrating your technical and expressive ability.
- Orchestra Excerpts: Prepare pre-selected orchestra excerpts on your instrument.
- Sight Reading: Students will be asked to perform sight-reading at their audition.
Eligibility
Students interested in the Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra must be enrolled in grades 6 (six) through 9 (nine) for the 2026-2027 academic year.
For questions about applications, audition requirements, or the audition process, feel free to contact SMTD Engagement & Outreach Staff via email at [email protected].
Tuition | Fees | Scholarships
Updated for the 2026-27 MYE Season
- Participant – $420
- Non-refundable application fee – $30
Refund Policy
Full refunds of MYE tuition are only available before the first regularly scheduled rehearsal of the current concert season. Find full details: SMTD Engagement and Outreach Refund Policy
Application Fee Waiver
Review the qualifications and the documentation you will need to provide here: How can I apply for a fee waiver for my application? Qualified students/families will reach out to the Acceptd Support team to request a waiver code to waive the $30 application fee. Fill out this fee waiver form to request a code.
Need-based Scholarship
A limited number of need-informed scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $125,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances. To be considered you must upload your financial aid materials by the application deadline as part of your application. This includes:
- Monthly Expenses
- Previous Year’s Tax Return
- Statement of Need
The William E. Root Engagement & Outreach Fund supports SMTD’s Engagement & Outreach Programs, with a preference for scholarships for participants in the Michigan Youth Ensembles. This fund allows us to fully support multiple students each MYE season.
Contact Us
Office of Engagement & Outreach-Youth & Adult Programs
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Stearns Building │ 2005 Baits Drive │ Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-936-2660
Email: [email protected]
Emails and phone lines are monitored at the following times
Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm EST