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Michigan Youth Performing Arts Pre-College Program

September 2025 – December 2026

Updated February 3, 2025

Priority Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

*NOTE: Students who apply before May 15 will be considered for need-informed scholarships and chamber music groups.

Apply Now

The Michigan Youth Performing Arts Pre-College Program (MYPAP) provides world class instruction for elementary through high school violin, viola, cello and bass students. Students who participate in the MYPAP will receive the following:

  • Weekly private lessons with renowned faculty
  • Regular group classes with MYPAP program faculty
  • Monthly masterclasses with MYPAP program faculty and guest artists
  • Access to chamber ensembles / bi-weekly chamber music coaching
  • The opportunity to perform in two end-of-semester student recitals

MYPAP Announcements

(2/01/25) MYPAP 2025-2026 Season Applications OPEN

Applications for MYPAP’s 2025-2026 season are now open! Information on how to apply is listed below.

On This Page

Resources

Program Logistics

 

Time:

  • Private lessons to be scheduled between the student and private instructor
  • Participation in weekly studio /group class from 3:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Sundays
  • MYPAP performances for both chamber ensembles and solo performers in December and April

Location:

  • Earl V. Moore Music Building (U-M North Campus, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)

Virtual Option

Students can also take advantage of the opportunities MYPAP provides in an online format. They will receive lessons over Zoom and can attend masterclasses and studio classes virtually. These students will also be invited to travel to Ann Arbor for the final in-person semester concerts. This is a wonderful opportunity for students living more than 200 miles from campus and also a way for our program to be more inclusive for those who have circumstances that make it difficult to meet in-person on a weekly basis.

NOTE: MYPAP’s virtual option is only available to students who live outside a 2-hour driving distance from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

MYPAP Season Schedule

2024-2025 MYPAP SEASON SCHEDULE

Leadership

Dr. Leo Singer

Dr. Leo Singer

Artistic Manager and Cello Instructor

Dr. Leo Singer is an active American cellist, teacher, administrator, and scholar. Leo serves as the Artistic Manager for the University of Michigan Youth Performing Arts Pre-College, a program that provides world class music instruction to students in Michigan. Dr. Singer also recently joined the cello faculty at The University of Michigan – Flint, and Concordia University – Ann Arbor. In the summer, Leo is on faculty at the esteemed Center Stage Strings program on the University of Michigan campus. As a performer, Dr. Singer has enjoyed a multifaceted career collaborating with many of the great artists of our time, including members of the Emerson, Cavani, Verona, and Euclid String Quartets, as well as Clive Greensmith, Carol Wincenc, Fabiola Kim, Robert McDuffie, and many others. An experienced orchestral musician, Leo has played principal cello of the Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra, the Yale Symphony Orchestra, the Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra, and more. As a teacher, Leo has seen his students attend the finest music schools and summer festivals in the world, including the Juilliard School, Rice University, Manhattan School of Music, The University of Michigan, The Aspen Music Festival, Pacific Music Festival, Music Academy of the West and others. An avid scholar of technical studies, Leo authored his own book “Changes of Position,” which focuses on principles and concepts for the left-hand.

Instructors

VIOLINS:

VIOLA:

CELLO:

DOUBLE BASS:

Auditions | Eligibility

APPLICATION DUE DATE

Recommended Priority Application Deadline (for scholarships and chamber music): May 15, 2025

Rolling Application Deadline: August 1st, 2025

 

NOTE: Students who apply after May 15 will not be considered for scholarships or chamber music groups.

 

ELIGIBILITY
Students in grades Pre-K through 12 for the 2025-2026 academic year are accepted.

MYPAP accepts violin, viola, vello, and bass students.

 

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

  • 3-5 minute video that best represents your playing abilities
  • Statement of interest (optional)
  • Letter of recommendation (optional)
  • Repertoire list (optional)

Tuition | Fees | Scholarships

FOR RESIDENTIAL MYPAP STUDENTS

  • Studying with MYPAP Instructor – $2600
  • Studying with SMTD Faculty – $4150

FOR VIRTUAL MYPAP STUDENTS (via Zoom)

  • Studying with MYPAP Instructor – $2100
  • Studying with SMTD Faculty – $3350

FOR ALL STUDENTS: Non-refundable application fee – $35

 

NEED-INFORMED SCHOLARSHIP / PAYMENT PLANS
Need-informed scholarships and tuition payment plans are available. Feel free to contact Engagement & Outreach Staff via email ([email protected]) for more information.

Families can qualify for need-informed scholarships with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $125,000 or under in the previous calendar year. 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

 

REFUND POLICY
Full refunds of MYPAP tuition are only available before the first regularly scheduled rehearsal of the current concert season. Those wishing to learn more about the MYPAP Refund Policy can find details in the SMTD Engagement and Outreach refund policy.

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

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