Pre-College offers a comprehensive music program for highly committed string players 8 to 18 years old who exhibit the talent, potential and ambition to pursue advanced music study at the college level.
The program combines intensive private study, ensemble training, music theory, chamber music, and exclusive performance opportunities into a cohesive experience that develops technical proficiency while fostering creativity and curiosity. Partial tuition scholarships are available for admitted students.
WPMA Pre-College offers the highest quality instruction by an outstanding faculty in violin, viola, and cello. Explore these opportunities and the audition requirements for each instrument.
A week as a pre-college student includes private lessons, music theory, history, aural skills and chamber ensembles. Students are given access to distinguished guest artists and ample performance opportunities.
Learn more about Pre-College tuition, fees, and scholarship. All admitted Strings Scholars receive a merit-based scholarship that covers over half of all program costs with additional need-based aid available.
Complete this form to receive updates on WPMA’s Pre-College division as well as information on applications and auditions.
At WPMA, we have found that the students who make the most meaningful progress are those who approach their studies with intention and consistency. These students are curious, take ownership of their learning, and actively apply feedback in their daily practice.
They are able to manage their time and energy within a structured and demanding schedule that may include private lessons, theory classes, chamber music, rehearsals, and performances. Just as importantly, they bring a genuine interest in the process of music-making—not just the outcomes.
Growth at this level requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. Students who are open to being challenged, who listen carefully, and who learn from both faculty and peers will thrive in this program.
Students may enter the Pre-College as young as 8 years old and remain through their senior year of high school. The audition process is the same for all students regardless of age.
Yes. All students admitted to the Pre-College receive the Pre-College Strings Scholars Award — a merit-based scholarship awarded exclusively through the audition process. The full value of the Pre-College Strings Scholars curriculum, including private lessons, ensemble, chamber music, theory, aural skills, and distinguished guest artist programming, is valued at over $15,000 annually. Need-based financial aid is available as well for admitted students.
Additional information regarding tuition and scholarship can be found here.
WPMA Pre-College runs on Sundays, generally from 10am to 6pm, and occasionally on Thursdays, 5pm to 8:30pm. Students must be prepared to attend during these hours. Because of scheduling complexities, students who live closer to WPMA may be asked to take instrument private lessons or other core classes during the week.
The current Pre-College Strings Scholars program is designed solely for Violin, Viola, and Cello.
In some cases, applicants to the WPMA Pre-College can take trial lessons with WPMA faculty for instructional purposes or to get a sense of a teacher’s style. Availability of trial lessons varies by faculty. These lessons will have no bearing on an applicant’s chances of admission and are not required to be considered for admission. Students can inquire about Pre-College faculty availability by submitting a lesson inquiry here.
“I started lessons at WPMA almost a year ago, and the amount I have improved is unexplainable. Each of the teachers know where their students need to improve and help them no matter what. I’m so glad that I decided to start taking lessons at WPMA because I didn’t even know there was so much more I could grow.”
“One of the best decisions our family made when moving to Georgia 6 months ago was putting our two daughters in the care and direction of the wonderful teachers at WPMA.”
“I took lessons here for years and could not be more thankful! I am now graduating with my degree in violin performance thanks to the guidance and encouragement the school provided to me my senior year of high school to send me to my dream school!”
“WPMA is an exceptional and amazing music school. Lessons are highly detailed and open your eyes to issues you may not notice. Teaching is effective and easily understandable, always with a clear goal.”
“My son’s musical journey has been deeply shaped by William Pu Music Academy, and I highly recommend it to any aspiring musician. When my son first started playing the cello, practicing felt like a chore, but at WPMA, my son became more disciplined, developed a true passion for music, and grew tremendously as a musician.”
“I was a student of the music academy since its founding. It is wonderful to be a part of the WPMA family and see this institution grow and thrive in the greater Atlanta community.”
“Our child studies at WPMA and she truly looks forward to her lessons. The school offers both private music theory and instrument instruction which is unique and extremely helpful for a student that wants to study music seriously. A lot of effort is placed in guiding and developing the students. The quality of the teaching is evident when we attend their music recitals.”
“I really appreciate what they do for my kid’s future. They make music last in his heart, which makes his world so much brighter. The academy is so awesome :)”
“WPMA is truly a place of musical nurturing where world-class professionals come together and provide tailored attention and guidance to each and every one of their students. The school has been so influential in my daughter’s growing love and interest in music and has helped her successfully achieve her goal in getting into the GMEA all-state middle school orchestra!”
