STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The MTA is looking for talented, local musicians to liven up the daily commute.
MTA Arts & Design will host its 32nd annual auditions for the Music Under New York program (MTA MUSIC) on Tuesday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall.
MTA MUSIC provides over 350 individual musicians and ensembles the opportunity to participate in over 7,500 performances in approximately 30 locations throughout the New York City transit system each year.
Performance locations include subway stations, MTA commuter rail terminals and the Staten Island Ferry terminals.
“A variety of performers entertain the public, such as classical strings, jazz ensembles, world music bands, folk, a cappella groups, singer-songwriters and more, playing instruments ranging from Gambian kora, Korean drum, West Indian steel drums, Andean pipes, cello, Celtic and baroque harps to guitars, violins, hammered dulcimers and musical saws,” according to the MTA.
The agency received over 300 applicants this year, with approximately 70 being selected to participate in the final auditions. The MTA is expected to add approximately 20 performers to the MTA MUSIC roster following this year’s audition, with the final decisions being announced this June.
Finalists will be given five minutes to complete their audition and will be judged by dozens of fellow musicians, members of cultural institutions, music industry professionals and MTA operations staff.
Judges will evaluate the auditions in regards to overall quality, musical variety, cultural diversity and appropriateness for public transit networks.
“The Music Under New York auditions are one of our favorite times of the year, because we have the opportunity along with the public to experience incredible new talent and diverse performances as each act competes for a spot with MTA MUSIC,” said MTA Arts & Design Director Sandra Bloodworth.
For a list of all musicians currently participating in the MTA MUSIC program, visit the MTA website.
