How are students selected to participate in PMP? Students are selected based upon a highly competitive audition process.  Once they have been accepted into PMP, students may choose to remain an active participant until age 18.  This option greatly reduces the number of openings available annually as a maximum of 40 students may participate at any one time.

Where do PMP students come from? PMP is truly a world-class program as students join together from around the globe. This past summer students came from Armenia, Bulgaria, Israel, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan and the United States.

How old are PMP students? PMP accepts students ages 11-18 into their six week summer program on Shelter Island, NY.  An advanced level Chamber Music Workshop at PMP is also offered as a two-week program in August to students 18-30.  PMP Winter Residency here in Sarasota combines students from each of these summer sessions, ages 12-20+.

Are PMP students primarily home schooled? On the contrary! Very few PMP students are home schooled.  Most attend public school which is why the Winter Residency takes place over Winter Break.

Do PMP students pay tuition to attend? Tuition is one way PMP generates revenue to offset the great expense of this world-class training program.  However, PMP is "need-blind" and students are selected to participate regardless of financial status.  Scholarships are made available as needed.

How is PMP different from other programs? The dream of Toby Perlman, PMP was founded in 1994 to nurture and enrich the whole person, not just to develop great musicians.  Faculty members are hand selected based upon musicianship and teaching skills, as well as their personal philosophy. PMP believes that by providing opportunities equally to all students regardless of age or ability, PMP is better able to foster an environment encouraging students to support each other's unique and special talents, rather than compete with them.  For instance, notice in the PMP orchestra that students constantly rotate throughout the section, including principal chairs.  Likewise, any student may perform in a recital.

What is the students' daily schedule? PMP students typically begin their day with four hours of private practice.  Individual lessons are scheduled during morning and afternoon hours, along with chamber music rehearsals and coaching.  Chorus and orchestra rehearsals open to the public are offered mid-afternoon into the evening hours.

Why do all students & faculty sing together in a chorus? the PMP Chorus is just another way for the students to work together and study elements of music and musicianship.  To sing well one must be able to listen, match, breathe, phrase, collaborate, become self reliant, and more - all with the most "basic" instrument, their own voice.