MTA Music Under New York: Auditions for Subway Musicians

MTA Music Under New York Program

• 🎶 The MTA held its annual audition to recruit musicians for the Music Under New York program.
• 🎯 The program aims to bring opera and other musical experiences to everyday New Yorkers who might not otherwise encounter them.

Audition Process and Participants

• 🎤 Over 50 artists auditioned for a spot in the program, which provides performance opportunities in busy transit locations.
• 📝 Nina Azad, one of the auditioning artists, expressed a desire to expose more New Yorkers to live music.
• 🎵 Neta Toladano performed original songs and covers, highlighting busking as a valuable way to gain stage time in New York City.

Judging and Selection Criteria

• 🧑‍⚖️ Judges, including former subway busker Ego Segbeia, evaluated the performers.
• 💡 Segbeia advised aspiring musicians to focus on authenticity and humility, emphasizing the need for daily practice and dedication to their craft.
• 📊 Out of approximately 150 applicants, 54 were selected for auditions, with only 20 ultimately chosen to perform in the subway system.