Financial Aid for Private Lessons

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 demonstrated financial need. 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. 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

For the 2024-25 year: STRONG PREFERENCE will be given to those who apply for scholarships by August 2, 2024. There is no guarantee for consideration of scholarship if applying after this point. Scholarships are generally given for the entire calendar year (pending student progress), so funds are limited for new applications for Spring Semester. However, students may still apply for financial aid mid-year (beginning in the Spring semester), and will be considered for scholarship, depending on the available funds.

Fall decisions about scholarship will be made within one week of the preferential deadline. Spring semester decisions will be made within two weeks of receiving the application at the office.

General Guidelines:

• The applicable family registration fee ($20) is not included in scholarship funding
• For this need-based financial aid, the scholarship amount is determined by family income / household size
• 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
• Families may choose to pay their tuition balance in 3 installments at designated times through the term (one-time convenience fee of $5)
• All families must reapply each school year for scholarship funds, including a new application form and proof of income

Questions about scholarship procedure or awards may be directed to CSA Private Lessons & Suzuki Director Mary Rose Norell or by calling (574) 535-7849.

Financial Aid for CSA Choirs and Orchestras*

The Music Center is committed to providing aid to families who are in need of financial assistance. Financial aid for the CSA Choirs and Youth Honors Orchestras (YHO) are tied to the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Guidelines and is dependent on family size and annual income.