The Tanglewood Music Center

Application deadlines vary by program. Check the deadlines for each.

Audition schedules and locations can be found by clicking on the appropriate program on this page.

The fee is $75 for all applicants.

If you have a hardship that you feel renders you unable to pay the application fee we are happy to accommodate a waiver, please contact us at tmc@bso.org.

Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center Vocal Arts Program must be between 20 and 35 years old as of the start of the program. Applicants to all other programs must be at least 18 years of age as of the start of the program. All applicants to the TMC must have completed their secondary school education (high school).

No other programs have specific age limits, although it is expected that applicants to the TMC will have advanced musical skills, and therefore most successful applicants will have completed or nearly completed their undergraduate education.

While the Tanglewood Music Center does not accept applications from students that have not completed their secondary education (high school), the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, which is operated by the Boston University College of Fine Arts in partnership with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, does.

The TMC welcomes applications from international students, who may either travel to the U.S. for a live audition or submit a video audition. If accepted, all international students must attend the TMC on a valid, non-tourist visa. For those without a current, valid visa, the TMC issues I-20 forms that enable students to apply for an M-1 student visa; all fees associated with obtaining the visa are borne by the Fellow.

Determine your visa status here.

Most programs to not require recommendations. For those that do, recommendations should be submitted along with you application or emailed to tmc@bso.org.

All first-year Fellows must pay a $250 registration fee. Returning Fellows pay $200. No further tuition is required to attend the TMC. Housing, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided free of charge.

Fellows are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the festival and other incidental expenses. At this time we are unable to provide help with travel costs.

Most TMC Fellows reside at Miss Hall's School, approximately seven miles from the Tanglewood campus.

TMC Fellows are encouraged to bring a car. For those without a car, regular bus service is provided between the Tanglewood campus and the residence hall.

Because of the demanding schedule at the TMC, no such opportunities are available. Fellows are not permitted to accept outside performance engagements.

Each student holds a Fellowship supported by donations from generous individuals, groups, businesses, and/or foundations. Each Fellowship covers the cost of tuition for one student with room and board included.

Other questions? Email tmc@bso.org. The TMC office is open Monday - Friday most weeks.