From the Top / NPR Performance

From the Top / NPR Performance offers talented young musicians the opportunity to perform on From the Top, a nationally broadcast radio show on NPR. Selected students share the stage with other outstanding performers from across the country, playing at a professional level while being interviewed about their musical journey. The program highlights both musical excellence and personal stories, giving high school musicians a rare chance to experience a professional recording and performance environment.

This program is ideal for serious high school musicians—instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers—who have a strong performance record, advanced technical skill, and a commitment to their craft. Participation can strengthen a college application by demonstrating achievement at a national level, discipline in preparing for a high-profile performance, and the ability to communicate clearly about artistic goals and experiences. Students gain:

• National exposure through NPR’s radio broadcast and online platforms
• Professional feedback and guidance from experienced artistic staff
• Recording and performance experience that can support future auditions and portfolios

For more information about eligibility, application materials, and audition guidelines, visit the program’s website.

How much does From the Top / NPR Performance cost?

From the Top / NPR Performance is free. Its official page says “free to all participants”. That sentence is what we verified — if you need to budget for anything it does not mention, check the page.

What is the application deadline for From the Top / NPR Performance?

The application deadline is September 1, 2026, read from the program's own page. Dates can still shift between cycles — confirm it at https://apply.fromthetop.org/fellowship.

Who is eligible for From the Top / NPR Performance?

Our catalog has From the Top / NPR Performance open to high school students in grades 9–12, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is From the Top / NPR Performance online or in person?

From the Top / NPR Performance is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Various).

How do I apply to From the Top / NPR Performance?

Apply directly through From the Top's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.