Black Pianists Society

Please review the FAQs below before applying. The new member application requires:

Basic personal information and a photo of a school/state ID with your recent picture
An academic resume (2 pages max) and a short video of your best performance (5 mins max - not required for non-players / students who do not have access to a piano at home)

Volunteers must be 13 and up and currently enrolled in high school or college.

Non-POC applicants must specify why and/how they would like to contribute to our organization as an ally for their fellow students of color.

Interested? Apply as a new member!

Not a musician? Apply as a volunteer!

What eligibility requirements are there?

All new member applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 19 years old and currently enrolled in 7th-12th grade, or at any accredited post-secondary institution. All applicants must be of Black, American Indian, and/or Latinx descent and hold at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in piano-playing (non-pianist applicants that are interested in learning may still apply but must contact the BPS President directly to discuss their options). No recommendation letters are needed so please refrain from sending any. Virtual volunteers do NOT have to fit all of the same criteria as BPS members and must fill out the volunteer-specific Google Form.

What would I do as a member of BPS?

The Black Pianist Society provides opportunities for members to volunteer (virtually), engage in leadership roles, and receive or volunteer for music, theory, and performance tutoring with other BPS members. Members are expected to exemplify leadership and desire to serve in their own communities, as well as on national and global level. Members are able to assist with or plan their own social justice advocacy campaigns, access information on lesser-known college scholarships for music and/or minorities, and request college prep advice from upperclassmen members who are familiar with the college application process. There are also regular opportunities for our artistically-inclined members to create and have their work featured in virtual art shows and recitals, on our blog page, and in BPS-hosted arts and essay contests!

Can I receive volunteer hours?

Yes! As students ourselves, we understand that some of our members may need volunteer hours for other academic and/or service-based organizations. For that reason, all of our members are expected to track their own volunteer hours using a website called Clockify. If your BPS new member application is accepted, our Project Management Team will add you as a member on our organization's Clockify account.

How do I know if I am accepted once I apply?

Our Student Services Team should get back to you within a few days of you submitting your application, so if you do not receive a confirmation email from us within a week, that means, unfortunately, you did not meet our applicant criteria. Please do not submit more than 2 applications.

What if I don't fit all of the eligibility criteria?

Exceptions will be considered for the GPA requirement and for applicants who have never played piano before and/or do not have access to a piano/keyboard at home (applicant must be able to explain any extenuating circumstances, and demonstrate good character and personal achievements in other ways). Please email our President & Founder, Sydney Rolle, at sydneyrollebps@gmail.com if you wish to advocate for a GPA and/or audition video waiver for yourself.