Frequently Asked Questions
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Application and Concert Selection
How can my school sign up for Musical Explorers?
The process to sign up for Musical Explorers has two parts: the application and the registration / concert selection. The application phase will ask you to submit background information and describe how Musical Explorers fits into your music program’s learning goals for the year. We will review each application and invite accepted schools to complete the registration / concert selection. In the registration / concert selection phase, links will be sent to accepted schools to select your preferred concert dates and times and submit the final number of students and teachers participating in the program. You will be asked to select a first, second, and third choice for the concert date and time.
What is the application timeline for Musical Explorers?
The application for Musical Explorers opens in late April. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Teachers who have been accepted into the program will receive a notice of confirmation beginning in June. Registration links, through which teachers will select their preferred concert dates and times, will be sent to confirmed schools on a rolling basis beginning in June. Teachers are encouraged to apply early to secure placement in the program, and to fully participate in the program immediately following the beginning of the school year.
May I apply for one semester only of Musical Explorers?
No. Musical Explorers is a yearlong program and participation in both semesters is required. However, local teachers can opt to participate in either a live or digital concert experience for either semester.
How many teachers can sign up for Musical Explorers through the online application?
If there are multiple teachers at one school who are interested in implementing the curriculum, you must select one teacher to act as that school’s primary contact. That individual will complete the application and, if accepted, will be responsible for maintaining regular communication with Carnegie Hall staff throughout the year. All teachers implementing the program with students directly are considered participating teachers and must attend the required professional development workshops.
My school signed up for Musical Explorers, but another teacher at the school is implementing the curriculum with my students. Do I have to apply and attend professional development?
If there are multiple teachers at your school who are interested in implementing the curriculum, only one representative should apply on behalf of the whole school. The application will have an option to indicate other participating teachers. Only teachers implementing the curriculum directly with students are considered participating teachers and must attend the required professional development workshops and the concerts. Teachers attending the concerts but not implementing the curriculum are considered chaperones.
Why do I need to select a first, second, and third choice for the concert?
Each year, we ask teachers to increase their availability by selecting a first, second, and third choice for concerts. If we have accepted your application into the program but are unable to seat your school in your first-choice concert date, we will automatically attempt to seat your school in your second- or third-choice concert. Please hold all three of your preferred concert dates until you receive confirmation of concert date and time from Carnegie Hall.
Do you have to be a music teacher to implement Musical Explorers?
No. Musical Explorers is designed for both music teachers and general classroom teachers who work with students in grades K–2.
My class size went up or down since I applied. What do I do?
Please note that after Musical Explorers curriculum materials have been shipped to your school, the number of students on your application cannot be adjusted, nor can refunds be issued. Please plan accordingly when applying. Contact Carnegie Hall staff at musicalexplorers@carnegiehall.org or call 212-424-2013 with questions.
How much does Musical Explorers cost?
The teacher fee for Musical Explorers is $50, and each student is $6. One chaperone per 10 students is included free of charge.
What methods of payment are accepted for Musical Explorers?
Carnegie Hall can accept payment via
- personal check
- school check
- credit card (download credit card form)
- purchase order
When is payment due for the Musical Explorers concerts?
Payment is due by Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Please note that fees are associated with student program participation and not student concert attendance. For schools paying with purchase order, a copy of the certified order must be submitted by this date by fax to 212-903-0758 or by email to musicalexplorers@carnegiehall.org.
When will Carnegie Hall confirm that I have been accepted into Musical Explorers?
Carnegie Hall will confirm that you have been accepted into the program at the beginning of June on a rolling basis. If you have questions about your program status after June 30, please contact Carnegie Hall staff at 212-424-2013 or email musicalexplorers@carnegiehall.org.
Professional Development Workshops
I participated in Musical Explorers last year. Do I still need to attend the professional development workshops?
Yes, every participating teacher is required to attend both Musical Explorers professional development workshops regardless of past participation in the program. Teachers who do not attend the required professional development workshops will forfeit participation in the program.
Are the fall and spring professional development workshops different?
Yes. Each workshop will focus on the artists and materials featured in the semester. Teachers who do not attend both required professional development workshops will forfeit participation in the program. Please note that the Musical Explorers professional development workshops will be hosted in person in the 2022–2023 school year.
Where are the Musical Explorers professional development workshops held?
Musical Explorers professional development workshops take place in Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing.
When will I receive my Musical Explorers materials?
In order to receive Musical Explorers materials, participating teachers must
- attend an initial fall Musical Explorers professional development workshop
- submit a completed Letter of Agreement
Participating teachers can expect to receive their materials two or three weeks after these requirements are met.
Where can I find more materials and resources for my classroom?
All participating teachers are encouraged to browse our Digital Library for additional resources relating to Musical Explorers, and to explore the Music Educators Toolbox for free, open-source resources for music educators and administrators.
Concert
When will I receive my Musical Explorers tickets?
Your Musical Explorers ticket (one class ticket per participating teacher per semester with your confirmed numbers of students and adults) will be mailed to you approximately one month before both your confirmed winter and spring concert dates.
How many parents/adults may I bring to the Musical Explorers concerts?
Schools may bring no more than one chaperone per 10 students, free of charge. For example, if a teacher enrolls a class of 30 students, he or she will automatically receive 30 student seats, three chaperone seats, and one instructor seat, for a total of 34 seats. Please note that parents and other adults cannot purchase individual tickets themselves, nor can student seats be substituted for adults.
May parents purchase tickets to Musical Explorers?
No, parents may not purchase tickets to Musical Explorers. If parents are interested in attending, they must attend with their child’s class as a chaperone. They may also purchase tickets to attend the Musical Explorers Family concerts.
May I take photos and videos at the Musical Explorers concerts?
No. In accordance with Carnegie Hall’s policies, photography and videography are strictly prohibited.
What instructions should I give to my bus drivers for the Musical Explorers concert?
Buses should drop off and pick up students on the east side of Seventh Avenue, between 57th and 59th streets, facing south. Please note that buses cannot wait in front of Carnegie Hall during the concert.
When do the doors open before the Musical Explorers concert? When should I arrive?
Doors open 30 minutes before each Musical Explorers concert. As these events are general admission (there are no assigned seats), the earlier you arrive, the closer you will be to the stage. Entry to the Hall will not be granted earlier than 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Other
Where can my students eat lunch before or after the Musical Explorers concert?
Unfortunately, Carnegie Hall does not have a space available for students to eat lunch. If weather permits, Central Park is only two blocks away. There is also a public atrium between Sixth and Seventh Avenues with entrances on West 56th and West 57th Streets.
I have suggestions for Carnegie Hall regarding Musical Explorers. How can I share them?
Please email all suggestions to feedback@carnegiehall.org.
