Photo credit Wright Eye Visuals
Conceptualized and built under the guiding arm of Play On Philly, the Marian Anderson Young Artist Program (MAYAP) has been under the management of Dr Anna Meyer, who has overseen every aspect of the program from application to graduation since its start in 2022. A pathways program of Play On Philly, MAYAP seeks to nurture the musical interests and talents of students in the Philadelphia region. Anna works directly with the students and families who are accepted into the highly-competitive program to provide individualized quality musical education and career counseling so that students are equipped to pursue music degrees at programs in accredited colleges and conservatories across the country. Since its inception, the program has graduated a handful of high-level musicians who were accepted into schools such as Peabody, Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, Berklee, The Curtis Institute, and the University of Maryland.
As a passionate advocate for her artists, Anna works to cultivate skills for success beyond musical aptitude. The program provides training for the artists in soft skills such as how to write a professional bio, communication, booking a collaborative musician, planning a recital, networking, and self-advocacy. Through her work, Anna recognizes that not every student who comes through the program will end up pursuing music as a career. But she also recognizes that the time they do spend in the program will teach them a variety of skills that they can carry with them in whatever field they choose to pursue.
Anna takes great pride in watching her artists learn and grow as they develop into the people and musicians that will go out and make significant contributions to their communities. For more information about the program, please click here.