Frequently Asked Questions
This page is intended as a resource for anyone thinking of applying, as well as for participants to use before or during the institute. If your questions are not addressed here, contact Assitant Director Nicole Longevin-Burroughs at 412-392-8991 or institute@pittsburghsymphony.org.
FAQ Categories:
Application | Acceptance | Stipend | Travel | Housing | University Life | Institute | Contact
Where can I get an application?
Please see our application information page.
Am I eligible to apply?
Please read carefully the NEH’s regulations about eligibility on the NEH Application Information and Instructions. Preference will be given to applicants who have not participated in an NEH-sponsored seminar or institute in the past three years. Substitute or part time teachers are not eligible to apply.
What needs to be included in my application?
- three copies of your completed electronic NEH coversheet, signed;
- three copies of a detailed résumé;
- two letters of recommendation (sent separately);
- three copies of your four-page application essay (described in the Letter to Potential Applicants).
Can I send my application materials electronically?
No. Send them by first class or Priority Mail and make sure they are postmarked no later than March 3, 2010. Earlier would be better. You will need to provide three copies each of the participant application and cover sheet, your résumé, and your application essay. They should be collated, so that we can get them to members of the selection committee in a timely fashion.
Letters of recommendation may be sent by mail to the address below, or by fax to 412-392-4910.
If you are concerned about the safe arrival of your materials, please contact us at institute@pittsburghsymphony.org
What is the mailing address for application materials?
Nicole Longevin-Burroughs
Education and Community Engagement
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
Faxes should be sent to 412-392-4910.
If I apply, when will I hear?
Successful applicants will be notified by phone on April 1, 2010.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by letter by about mid-April. If anyone who is accepted cannot attend the Institute, we will notify alternates on or before April 16, 2010.
If I'm accepted, when do I need to accept or decline the invitation?
We must have a formal statement of your intention to attend the Institute, along with appropriate payroll paperwork, by April 10, 2010
What paperwork will I need to send in if I accept an invitation?
You will need to sign the “appointment” letter we send you which stipulates the length of the Institute and your stipend, and provides us with your current address and social security number. We suggest you mail or fax the information to Nicole Longevin-Burroughs, whose contact information is listed above.
How much will I receive for my stipend check?
The total amount of your stipend is $2,700.
Will we have a chance to exchange our stipend checks for traveler's checks?
We have made arrangements with Mellon Bank to cash your stipend checks during your time in Pittsburgh. You may also use the financial institution of your choice. A list of banks in the area may be found here.
Is the stipend taxable by the IRS?
Yes, the full amount of $2700 is considered taxable income. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will withhold no taxes from your check, but we will provide you with a 1099. You may wish to talk to your own tax advisor, or see IRS Publication 970. Neither the NEH nor the University of Pittsburgh can advise you on your tax situation. The IRS will know the full amount of your stipend.
Will my stipend be enough to cover all costs associated with the seminar?
The stipend should be sufficient to cover your travel, food, and lodging.
What happens if I can't be there for the entire Institute?
If you cannot stay the entire three weeks of the Institute, or if you have to miss a day at any point during the Institute, you will be asked to return a pro-rated portion of your stipend, per NEH regulations.
When should I plan to arrive, how do I get there, and when should I plan to leave?
You should plan to arrive by the afternoon of Sunday, July 11, 2010. Check-in at the Shadyside Inn (where we have arranged lodging for your stay) begins at 4:00 pm, however if you need to check in earlier, you can call them to make arrangements at 412-441-4444. The Shadyside Inn staff will be happy to assist you with your check-in from their office, located off the courtyard. On Sunday evening we look forward to meeting you at a welcoming event at the Shadyside Inn. Please plan to be there to meet your colleagues.
The Institute will end on Friday, July 30, at 3:45pm. Due to late afternoon traffic, we advise that you arrange your departure for no earlier than 6:00 pm that evening, or that you delay your departure until Saturday.
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. Below are suggestions on how to get here.
By Plane:
Pittsburgh International Airport is located 20 miles outside of Pittsburgh, about 30-40 minutes drive from the University of Pittsburgh.
From the airport, the least expensive way to get to Oakland is by bus. The 28X Airport Flyer(bus route changing?) leaves from outside the baggage claim area every 20 minutes, 7 days a week, and will bring you directly to Oakland for $2.25. But it will not take you all the way to the Shadyside Inn. One option is to take it as far as the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh, which is a good place to catch a cab. The taxi from there to the Shadyside Inn may cost as much as $15.00. Taxis can also be taken directly from the airport, for about $40 without tip. Call 1-800-TAXICAB (1-800-892-4222) and follow directions to book a reservation in Pittsburgh.
If you take the 28X bus to the Pitt Music Building, located at Fifth Ave. and Bellefield, we can possibly arrange to pick you up there and shuttle you to the Shadyside Inn. This option will need to be orchestrated in advance, depending on your arrival time.
Another option is the SuperShuttle service, which will take you from the airport directly to the hotel for $27.00. It is recommended that you book a reservation in advance. To learn more, visit their website.
By Car:
From the East take I-76 to exit 57, Monroeville, and connect onto I-376, following signs to Pittsburgh. From there, take the Oakland exit (exit 3A, marked University of Pittsburgh, and Glenwood Route 885), and turn right at the end of the ramp. Continue on Bates until it ends at Bouquet Street. Turn left on Bouquet, and follow Bouquet to Forbes Ave. (they meet at a traffic light). Forbes Avenue then leads right into the Pitt campus. Follow the “On the Pitt campus” directions below.
From the South follow I-79 North to the I-279 North Exit. Take 279 through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and across the bridge to the I-376 Monroeville Exit, the first exit on the right. Follow 376 to the Forbes Ave. / Oakland exit. Forbes Ave. then leads into the Pitt campus. Follow the “On the Pitt campus” directions below.
From the North take I-79 South to I-279 South, which is a left exit. Follow 279 into the city, to the I-376 Monroeville exit. Follow 376 to the Forbes Ave. / Oakland exit. Forbes Avenue then leads right into the Pitt campus. Follow the “On the Pitt campus” directions below.
From the West take I-76 to the I-79 South exit, exit 3. Follow I-79 to I-279 South, which is a left exit. Follow 279 into the city, to the I-376 Monroeville exit. Follow 376 to the Forbes Ave. / Oakland exit. Forbes Ave. then leads right into the Pitt campus. Follow the “On the Pitt campus” directions below.
On the Pitt campus, stay Forbes until Morewood Ave. Turn left at Morewood, and shortly thereafter turn right onto Fifth Ave. Continue on Fifth for three traffic lights, until Aiken Ave. The Shadyside Inn is on the left at the corner of Fifth Ave. and S. Aiken. Turn left onto Aiken and park behind the Shadyside Inn. The office is located in the courtyard.
By Train:
The station address is 1100 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Amtrak runs one train into Pittsburgh. The Amtrak station is in downtown Pittsburgh. Your best option is to take a taxi from the station to the Shadyside Inn, which will cost about $40 without tip. Call 1-800-TAXICAB (1-800-892-4222) and follow directions to book a reservation in Pittsburgh.
Trains serving this station are the Capitol Limited (Washington, DC to Pittsburgh and Chicago), the Pennsylvanian (from New York to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh), and Three Rivers (also New York to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). Check the Amtrak web site(make link), http://www.amtrak.com, for schedule information.
By Chartered Bus:
The Greyhound bus terminal is located in downtown Pittsburgh, at 55 11th St. It is open 24 hours per day. Information concerning schedules can be obtained at www.greyhound.com. Upon your arrival at the station, you should arrange to take a taxi to Shadyside Inn, which will cost about $40 without tip. Call 1-800-TAXICAB (1-800-892-4222) and follow directions to book a reservation in Pittsburgh.
What should I bring with me?
You can expect the weather to be quite warm, though the evenings can be cool. Highs are typically in the 80s, and lows in the 60s. Dress for the Institute is informal. You should bring an umbrella and / or a raincoat in case of inclement weather. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the field trips. Because much of what we’ll be doing will involve music, it’s a good idea to have access to a personal CD player. You will need pens, paper, and other classroom implements. If you forget items, they may be purchased at the University’s Book Center, located on campus on Fifth Ave. opposite Thackeray St.
Where will I be staying during the Institute? What will it cost?
We have selected the Shadyside Inn, located in the Shadyside district of Pittsburgh. The Inn is one mile (a very level walk) from the Music Building, where the Institute will be taking place. The Shadyside Inn includes everything you will need for your stay, including bed linens and a fully equipped kitchen. They also have maid service, free off-street parking, and a complimentary shuttle that will drop you off at the Institute each morning and return each afternoon. The city bus system ($1.75 each way) also picks up in front of the Shadyside Inn and within a block of the Institute.
Additional features at the Shadyside Inn, including diagrams of the rooms, are listed on their website at www.shadysideinn.com.
If you wish to stay by yourself, the cost for nineteen days will be about $1600, at $83 per day.
If you would like to have a roommate, two bedroom suites are about $1800 total for the nineteen days, or $93 per day, plus an electric bill. That means roughly $900 per person before the electric bill.
You are not obligated to stay at the Shadyside Inn, but this is the venue we recommend for all Institute attendees.
When do I need to decide if I'm staying at the Shadyside Inn?
In order to reserve your room at the Shadyside Inn, we must have your housing form, including a credit number to hold the room, by May 2, 2010.
How do I arrange to have a roommate?
If you are interested in being paired up with a roommate, please let Nicole Longevin-Burroughs (412.392.8991) know and she'll do her best to match you up with other folks seeking joint housing arrangements.
Can I bring my family and pets?
You are certainly welcome to bring family members with you to Pittsburgh, or to entertain them at any point during the Institute. However, they will not permitted to attend sessions with you on a daily basis and you will be responsible for the cost for them to attend any field trips or concerts, as well as for their lodging.
Pets under 25 pounds are permitted at the Shadyside Inn. Please contact them directly for more information, at 412-441-4444.
Where can I do laundry?
There are Maytag coin-operated laundry facilities located at the Shadyside Inn. There is also a laundromat called Laundry Factory at 5859 Ellsworth Ave, half a mile from the Inn. It’s open 7am-9:30pm all week.
Where can I buy groceries?
The best option is the Giant Eagle at 5550 Center Ave, half a mile north of the Inn. Your room will have a fully equipped kitchen and refrigerator. (update with bus info when available)
Where can I exercise?
The weather will be quite warm in June and July, so there will be lots of opportunities for walking or running outside. There are walking trails, bike routes, and tennis courts nearby at Frick Park and a pool and public golf course at Schenley Park, near the University.
The Shadyside Inn has also arranged a special $7 per visit rate for their guests at X Shadyside Fitness. The gym is located at 5608 Walnut Street. From the Inn, walk down S Aiken Ave. to Walnut St on the right.
Where can I attend religious services?
For information on religious services on and around campus, check the University of Pittsburgh Association of Chaplaincies website at www.pitt.edu/~chaplain. This site contains links to individual churches and organizations, including schedules for services.
What banks are in the area?
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are located conveniently on campus at the William Pitt Union, the ground floor of the Cathedral of Learning and at the banks listed below. They will likely charge a fee for out of state customers, so you may want to bring travelers checks. Banks near the University include:
Parkvale Savings
3520 Forbes Ave. in Oakland, 412-687-1200
Dollar Bank
5822 Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill, 412-521-7031
PNC Bank
4022 Fifth Ave. in Oakland, 412-621-0300
Citizens Bank
3715 Fifth Ave. in Oakland, 412-683-1111
National City Bank
4612 Forbes Ave. in Oakland, 412-681-4200
How can I be contacted while I'm in Pittsburgh?
(412) 441-4444 is the main number at the Shadyside Inn. Their fax number is (412) 687-7312. You will be assigned your own telephone number when you check in to your suite.
Please note that in the Pittsburgh area you need to dial all ten digits (including area code) regardless of whether it is a local or long distance call.
The main telephone number at the Pitt Music Department (where we will be holding the Institute) is 
(412) 624-4126.
The number for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is blank.
Mail should be addressed to you at:
Shadyside Inn
5405 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15232
What if I get sick?
There are two pharmacies near the Shadyside Inn: Schiller’s Pharmacy at 811 S. Aiken, and Rite Aid at 806 S. Aiken. From the Inn, just walk down S. Aiken Ave to Walnut St.
The closest pharmacy to the Music Building is the Rite Aid at Forbes Ave and Atwood. From the Music Building, walk down Bellefield to Forbes Ave, and walk down Forbes Ave, passing the Cathedral of Learning, to Atwood St.
The nearest hospital emergency room to the Inn is at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. From the Inn, go down S. Aiken Ave to Center Ave, and it will be on the left.
The nearest emergency room to the Music Building is at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, on De Soto St. From the Music Building, go down Fifth Ave passing the Cathedral of Learning, and turn left at De Soto St. The Pitt Police can be called from campus to arrange a ride, at 412-624-2121.
How do I get around if I don't have a car?
If you stay at the Shadyside Inn, they provide a complimentary shuttle to and from the Institute each day.
The buses that run between the Shadyside Inn and the Music Department, as well as Shadyside to downtown, are the 71D - Hamilton, 71-C, and the 500. The cost for one-zone travel is $1.75 (exact change required). Monthly bus passes can also be purchased at a reduced rate. Along the two major streets in the Oakland area, Fifth Ave. and Forbes Ave., there are many buses that run frequently. For other routes, you can call PAT at 412-442-2000 and let them know where you are and where you would like to go.
Yellow Cabs are plentiful as well. Call 1-800-TAXICAB (1-800-892-4222) and follow directions to book a reservation in Pittsburgh. You will likely need to call them for service.
How much walking will be required?
A fair amount of walking will be involved during our field trips. If you have physical limitations, please let us know so that we can make arrangements to assist you.
How much time will there be for seeing the sights?
You will have the majority of your evenings and weekends free.
What is there to do while I'm in Pittsburgh?
If you are looking for something to do, a good place to start is with the weekly Pittsburgh City Paper. This free publication is issued each Thursday and may be found in most local eateries and University buildings. It contains movie schedules, theatre reviews, and a large number of listings for entertainment activities taking place in the city.
Other good sites for interesting information about the city include www.studentguidetopittsburgh.com, http://www.carnegiemuseums.org, and the Carnegie Library’s site, http://www.clpgh.org.
What is the University of Pittsburgh campus like?
The University of Pittsburgh is a lovely urban campus. There are lots of open green spaces. You can get to campus from the Shadyside Inn by walking (1 mile west along Fifth Avenue), Shadyside Inn shuttle, or PAT (Port Authority Transit) bus. For more information about Pitt, including maps of the campus, visit the University's website at www.pitt.edu.
How can I access the internet?
All rooms at the Shadyside Inn are also equipped with complimentary high-speed internet. Thee is free wifi access in Schenley Park and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
You will not be provided with a new email account, so please make certain you know how to access your personal email accounts remotely.
Where will the Institute be held?
The Institute sessions will take place in the Music Building on the University of Pittsburgh Campus located at Fifth Ave. and Bellefield (a campus map is available here). The classroom will be in room 132, located on the first floor directly in front of you as you enter the building. The room is air conditioned, so dress accordingly.
One day of each week will be devoted to a field trip at a site related to that week’s topic. Some of these sites require extensive walking. If you have any physical or dietary limitations, please let us know in advance.
What libraries can I use while in Pittsburgh?
All participants will be given copies of Joe Horowitz’s young readers book, Robert Winter’s interactive DVD , and an online subscription to Naxos Music Library, These materials comprise a virtual “Dvorak in America” encyclopedia comprising hundreds of pages of text (including primary sources) and hundreds of hours of music. In addition, participants will enjoy access to the University of Pittsburgh Libraries and to the Carnegie Library (a short walk from the university campus).
Who are the Members of the Institute Staff?
Where can I park at the University?
Parking spots can be hard to find in Oakland, and it is recommended that you walk or use public transit if you are able.
During the summer parking is sometimes available on the streets around the Music Building. Meters are $.25 for each half hour and these generally have a four-hour maximum. If you don’t want to be running out to the meter every so often, you can park in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Lot, which is owned and operated by the University (cost: $8.50 for 6-8 hours). You may also park at the Tetris lot located at Ruskin Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard. This lot is usually discounted during the summer time (about $8.00 for 8 hours).
To view a parking map of the University, visit http://www.pts.pitt.edu/parking/visitor.html.
Be aware that the City of Pittsburgh cleans the streets and prohibits parking on one side of the street each weekday. Always check the signs where you park to make sure you are not at odds with the schedule. A good clue is if the parking is easy and you are only one of two or three cars parked along that street.
What will our daily class schedule be like?
A final agenda will be provided with the reading materials on the first day of class. The Institute will start each day at 9:00 am.
Breakfast will not be provided, but you are welcome to bring coffee or a beverage to class in a covered container. Coffee shops are located on the ground floor (basement) of the Cathedral of Learning and on S. Craig Street at both Fifth and Forbes.
The lunch hour is free time, except when we are on field trips. You may use this time to eat a packed lunch in the upstairs lounge or outside, to peruse the Music Library, or to catch up on errands.
We will typically end our day around 3:15pm to allow for research time at the libraries.
Will I need to bring a lunch every day or will it be provided?
You are responsible for all of your own meals, including lunch.
Arrangements for food will be made in advance for field trips, however you will have to pay for these meals as well. You are welcome to bring your own food, or try one of the many restaurants that are around the University of Pittsburgh.
What sort of assignments and homework will we be asked to do during the Institute?
Some handouts will be given throughout the three weeks in conjunction with the lectures. In the last week, teachers will complete a capstone project to synthesize the content and strategies they have learned. They will be divided into groups of five allowing for peer review and collaboration with those teaching at the same grade level. To ensure that their work attains a level of scholarship and educational effectiveness, these groups will work with the Institute faculty, and will have ample time for research and consultation with scholars, advisors, and peers. Time will be set aside daily for them to work in the library or to meet with advisors. The completed lesson plans will facilitate the application of the Institute’s theories and activities into the classroom. Finished projects will be presented to the group at the end of the Institute and will be posted on the PSO’s Dvořák in America website.
Should I read anything prior to attending the Institute?
A copy of the book Dvořák in America by Joe Horowitz will be sent to you, as well as the accompanying DVD. It is expected that you read the book before classes begin, and it is recommended that you look through the DVD as well.
Do I need to be able to read music or play an instrument in order to attend the Institute?
While the enjoyment of music is absolutely necessary, you are not required to have any particular musical knowledge or skill. Be warned though, we will be singing as a group. If you do play an instrument, feel free to bring it along.
Will I get continuing education credit for attending the Institute?
We cannot arrange for college credit, because the institute is a one time event. Instead, at the end of the institute all participants will receive a letter explaining the activities of the institute in some detail, and approximating the number of educational hours we believe the institute represents. This letter should be sufficient to qualify you for any sort of “internal” credit at your school. But if you require some other form of certification, please let us know.
What do I do if I have questions that don't appear on this list?
These questions can be addressed to Nicole Longevin-Burroughs (institute@pittsburghsymphony.org) at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. You can call her Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, at 412-392-8991.
