Acorn Scholarships

Our scholarship program for private music lessons is known as our “Acorn Music Project.”  Begun with the help of Lilly Endowment in 1999, it has been making private lessons available to students every year since with the help of many generous donors.

Acorn scholarships are awarded based on need. Scholarship amounts may be from 10 to 90 percent of the total cost of tuition. In general, families whose incomes fall within the free or reduced lunch guidelines in the National School Lunch Program will qualify for Community School of the Arts scholarships ranging from 50 to 90 percent of the total cost of lessons. Other families may also apply for scholarship, and any special circumstances may be noted on the form.

The scholarship process begins with the application form (.pdf) and proof of income, which is submitted to the CSA director at the Music Center office, or by mail to:

CSA Director
Goshen College Music Center
1700 South Main St.
Goshen, IN 46526.

Decisions about scholarship will be made within one week of receiving the application at the office.

General Guidelines:

• The applicable family registration fee ($20 to $30) is not included in scholarship funding.
• All families will be asked to pay something towards their lessons – the amount determined by family income.
• Up to two students in a family may receive scholarship at the same time.
• Other discounts (e.g. sibling) do not apply when scholarship is awarded.
• Students who receive scholarship in the fall semester will receive the same amount in the spring semester, providing they have demonstrated adequate commitment to their music study.
• If possible, CSA prefers that payment be made in 3 installments at designated times through the term. If this is not possible, weekly payment may be accepted with permission of CSA director.
• All families must reapply each year for scholarship funds.

Questions about scholarship procedure or awards may be directed to CSA director Debra Kauffman or by calling (574) 535-7907.