Overview:
This year’s Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP) Preparatory Division seating auditions introduced changes that have raised concerns about fairness and equity. While we deeply appreciate the dedication of the program’s faculty and staff, these changes have unintentionally created challenges for some students, and we would like to propose constructive solutions to ensure a more equitable process.

Concerns About the New Process:
The recent shift in the policy for makeup auditions is one area of concern. In the past, students who missed the primary audition could perform live on the following Saturday, allowing them to showcase their abilities under the same conditions as their peers. This year, students unable to attend the audition were required to submit recordings from home instead, which introduced some unintended inequities:

Recording Quality Disparities: Students attending in person performed in acoustically treated practice rooms with professional recording equipment. By contrast, students recording at home had to use their own devices, such as phone microphones, in spaces not optimized for sound quality.
Uneven Playing Field: These differences in recording conditions created challenges for accurately showcasing musical abilities, as professional equipment naturally offers a significant advantage.
Additional Stress: For students unable to attend live auditions, these changes added unnecessary stress, making it harder for them to demonstrate their full potential.
Additionally, notable shifts in seating placements, such as the reassignment of the concert leader from violin 1.1 to violin 1.6, have led to confusion about the criteria used in determining placements.

Our Suggestions for Improvement:
We recognize and respect the hard work of everyone involved in the audition process. In the spirit of collaboration, we respectfully propose the following adjustments:

Offer Live Makeup Auditions: If a student cannot attend the primary audition, they should have the opportunity to perform live under the same conditions as their peers.
Ensure Equal Recording Opportunities: If recordings are required, students should have access to professional-grade equipment or facilities to maintain consistency across submissions.
Provide Transparent Seating Criteria: Sharing more details about how seatings are determined can help students and families better understand the process.
Why This Matters:
The Juilliard MAP Preparatory Division has long been a place where talent and dedication are nurtured and celebrated. By addressing these concerns, we can ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to thrive and that the program continues to uphold its values of fairness and excellence.

Support a Collaborative Solution:
We are committed to working together to make the Juilliard MAP audition process as equitable and supportive as possible. Please join us in supporting these constructive changes to benefit all students in the program.