The June 1 deadline for the fourth annual AGBU Musical Armenia Program (MAP) is fast approaching and all musicians are encouraged to secure their spots. MAP is a three-week summer initiative in Yerevan that connects aspiring and professional artists with Armenia’s rich musical heritage. While living in Yerevan, participants attend master classes and specialized lectures, train and network with top musicians, perform at local venues and attend concerts and festivals. This year, the program will take place from July 13 to August 2, 2015.

Through organized activities and country-wide tours, MAP artists go beyond the classroom and concert hall, discovering the sights and sounds that inspire them. Last year, the program welcomed musically gifted young Armenians from Canada, Cyprus, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and the United States.

“My teacher taught me how to express my feelings through my instrument-my flute-and most importantly, how to live out my music, especially Armenian music. I still am so overwhelmed by the amazing welcome we had from AGBU. MAP 2014 was a way to reconnect with my roots- my homeland-through what I love doing most: playing music,” said Alik Jébéjian, a young flautist from Cyprus.

MAP participants take one-on-one lessons with renowned professors from the Komitas State Music Conservatory, attend 12 lectures on the history of Armenian music (medieval, spiritual, secular, minstrel, classical, Ottoman, Soviet, post-Soviet, contemporary, classical, khaz notation and jazz), tour Armenia’s ancient monasteries and museums, network with artists, meet peers from around the world and go to concerts, plays and exhibitions.

Though MAP is one of the youngest AGBU programs, it has already established itself as an entry point to the professional world. Some alumni have made the decision to call Armenia their new home and continue their involvement with the program; other MAP students were offered professional contracts in Armenia and Europe and others are now working on projects in their own cities to bring recognition to Armenian composers.