MTA Arts & Design

Music

Music Under New York Back in Subways

Since 1985, Arts & Design has managed the Music Under New York (MTA MUSIC) program, to bring joyous and engaging  music to the commuting public. Currently, more than 350 soloists and groups participate in MTA MUSIC providing over 7,500 annual performances at 30 locations throughout the transit system. Classical violinists, Cajun cellists, jazz ensembles, bluesmen, Latin guitarists, opera and folk singers are just a few of the performers in the subway and train stations contributing to the music culture of New York City.

To join MTA MUSIC, please see MTA MUSIC Auditions.

For information regarding performing in the subway, please view

Subway Performance Rules

Rules of Conduct, Section 1050.6 under 3

Arts & Design introduced a refreshed look and logo for MTA MUSIC at the annual MTA MUSIC Auditions in May 2014. Arts & Design was honored to work with Paula Scher, a principal of the award-winning design firm Pentagram on the project. Building on the widely-known and recognized New York City Subway iconography design, Scher said "The new identity for Music Under New York connects music and the subway system in a logical and musical way."