HSA Prep Program
HSA Prep Program
Every Prep Program student receives a full-tuition scholarship for all HSA classes and private lessons. Upon acceptance to the program, each student and their parent/guardian receives an Award Letter, Code of Conduct, and will be instructed on how to complete their $450 registration fee.
Students in the HSA Prep Program receive rigorous training that is meant to prepare them for working in the art world past their time at our institution. To receive a well-rounded education with our world-class teaching artists, students are required to commit to their entire Prep Schedule. During the year they participate in individual and group projects, ensembles, exhibitions, and trips and receive exposure to the art world as young working professionals.
HSA’s Prep Program enriches its students in the arts and in their academic ventures. During their time at HSA, students receive support for college preparation and will attend workshops on campus life, college application processes, and financial literacy, and will receive the chance to participate in HSA’s annual College Fair. Many of our students seek mentorship from our Department Directors and teaching artists who help support their artistic academic ventures through one-on-one lessons, audition preparation, and portfolio reviews.
Each student in the HSA Prep Program receives a schedule tailored to their artistic growth. Depending on the department, students will be enrolled in a combination of required classes, private lessons, and electives. Take a glance at a mock schedule here!
For questions about the Prep Program please contact prep@hsanyc.org
Audition Details
When auditions occur all participants should wear a leotard and tights of any color, and bring ballet slippers, sneakers, and jazz shoes. Ladies should style their hair in a high or low bun.
When auditions occur please submit 5-7 samples of original artwork via the audition application or in-person drop-off. Submissions should be in jpeg or pdf format, with a minimum resolution of 150 dpi. All applicants will be contacted to be scheduled for an interview.
When auditions occur please headshot and resume, and prepare two contrasting monologues (such as one classical and one contemporary), each 1-2 minutes in length.
When auditions occur student requirements include performing “Billie’s Bounce” with two choruses of improvisation and playing a jazz standard of the student’s choice with two choruses of improvisation. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in dominant scales in C and F at a tempo of quarter note = 120. Chordal instruments will be tested on their ability to identify and voice chord symbols. Bassists are expected to walk two choruses of blues unaccompanied. At the same time, drummers should exhibit knowledge of various styles and perform techniques such as single-stroke roll, buzz roll, paradiddle, and 5-stroke roll. Sheet music will be available to download in the audition application.
When auditions occur student requirements include students performing two contrasting etudes or one solo work (unaccompanied or accompanied), two major scales (student’s choice) in two octaves (percussionists will be asked to perform each of the 5 basic rudiments on snare drum in lieu of scales), and rhythm echo.
When auditions occur student requirements include preparing either one classical art song in English, French, German, or Italian, or one song in English from the Musical Theater, Gospel, or Spiritual genres. Additionally, applicants will be tested on sight-reading abilities during the audition process.
When auditions occur student requirements include preparing a one-minute monologue (comedic or dramatic) and a one-minute cut from a contemporary musical of your choice. Please bring sheet music with cuts for the accompanist. Additionally, candidates should be prepared to learn a short movement combination as part of the audition process.
Hear What Our Students Say
Discover Disciplines
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) Dance immerses students in Harlem's rich dance history, offering programs in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African dance.
Discover HSA DanceHSA Media & Design celebrates Harlem’s legendary artists through a powerful curriculum facilitated by a positive, supportive faculty who inspire participant creativity, confidence and communication.
Discover HSA Media & DesignHSA Music stands on the shoulders of the Harlem Renaissance and some of the greatest musical artists the world has ever known.
Discover HSA MusicHSA Musical Theatre introduces the fundamentals of musical theater to young actors.
Discover HSA Musical TheatreHSA Theatre houses young performers from a long line of actors. From Paul Robeson to Ethel Waters, the Harlem Renaissance provided opportunities for artists to speak their truth and stand in their light.
Discover HSA Theatre
Dance
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) Dance immerses students in Harlem's rich dance history, offering programs in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African dance.
Discover HSA Dance
Media & Design
HSA Media & Design celebrates Harlem’s legendary artists through a powerful curriculum facilitated by a positive, supportive faculty who inspire participant creativity, confidence and communication.
Discover HSA Media & Design
Music
HSA Music stands on the shoulders of the Harlem Renaissance and some of the greatest musical artists the world has ever known.
Discover HSA Music
Musical Theatre
HSA Musical Theatre introduces the fundamentals of musical theater to young actors.
Discover HSA Musical Theatre
Theatre
HSA Theatre houses young performers from a long line of actors. From Paul Robeson to Ethel Waters, the Harlem Renaissance provided opportunities for artists to speak their truth and stand in their light.
Discover HSA TheatreFrequently asked questions
For students ages 8-17 who dream of pursuing art as a career, we offer specialized programs called HSA Prep and HSA Pre-Prep. These programs provide advanced artistic training in a supportive environment, helping young artists build the skills and confidence they need for future success in the arts.
Our experienced department directors work personally with each student to evaluate their current skills and interests. This helps us place your child in the perfect class where they’ll feel both challenged and confident as they grow their artistic abilities.
Yes. However, for those students who do not have access to an instrument, HSA can provide a list of stores that rent a variety of instruments.
Our program runs in two terms of 16 weeks each, for a total of 32 weeks of artistic exploration. Class lengths are designed with your child’s age and attention span in mind – toddler classes are a fun-filled hour, while older students enjoy immersive two-hour sessions. There is a calendar link on the contact page.
Yes! We’re excited to announce that our toddler programs are launching soon. These age-appropriate classes will introduce our youngest artists to the joy of creative expression. Stay tuned for more details!