Need-Based Scholarships Available

Piano on Park Scholarship Fund

Piano on Park Scholarship Fund offers music loving students the opportunity to learn an instrument through weekly one on one private lessons. This program harnesses the power of music-making to have a positive and meaningful impact on the youth by helping them gain and nurture critical life skills. We believe music is for everyone, regardless of financial barriers, and aim to help members of underserved communities who would not otherwise be able to afford the cost of music education in NYC.

This program has been made possible thanks to the generosity of a private benefactor and our partnership with Piano on Park, a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching the city’s cultural life by supporting musicians, performers, and artists.

About the Program 

Age: 5-18 

Scholarships are available for the study of the following instruments: 

– Piano

– Violin

– Cello

– Voice

– Guitar

  • Recipients will receive weekly private one on one lessons with a member of Opus One Music faculty team, in a supportive and inclusive environment.

  • Recipients may be eligible to receive an instrument loan for the duration of their scholarship. 

  • Recipients are required to have an excellent attendance record (no more than one unexcused absence per semester) and to put serious effort into their class or lesson. 

  • Students must practice regularly and exhibit a strong desire and commitment to learning music to maintain their place in the program. They are required to participate in at least two school community events (ie. student recitals, outreach concerts, faculty concerts, etc.) each year – the fees of which will be absorbed by the scholarship. 

  • Fall students who meet all of the requirements may have their scholarship renewed for the Spring semester. 

  • The Fall Semester (September-December) will count 14 lessons. 

  • The Spring Semester (January-June) will count 20 lessons. 

  • Awards are NOT automatically renewed from one academic year to the next; all students must reapply every year.

  • If you have any questions, please contact  scholarship@pianoonpark.com 

Application for Fall 2026 is now open

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Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

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Application for Fall 2026 is now open 〰️ Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 〰️

Application Process

Eligibilty

Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of need, therefore all applicants are required to submit proof of income along with their application every year.

The Scholarship Program is open to all New York City students ages 5–18, regardless of prior music experience or school enrollment.

In order to be considered for Piano on Park Scholarship Program, you must:

  1. Letter of recommendation from a teacher (Required). The letter may include information about the applicant’s personality and/or skills. 

  2. A statement of Interest (Required)

  • For students ages 5-12 this will consist of a short 1:00 video of the applicant introducing themselves and explaining why they would like to learn an instrument and take private music lessons. 

  • For students ages 12 and up, this will consist of a short essay (500 words maximum), written by the applicant, explaining why they would like to learn an instrument and take private music lessons. Be sure to make this essay as authentic and personal as possible.

Applications are reviewed jointly by Piano on Park and Opus One Music School Scholarship Committee. Financial need is assessed by SSS VenturEd. Final award decisions are made according to the following criteria: 

  • Availability of funds 

  • Financial need as determined by family size, income, extenuating circumstances, etc. 

  • Number of applicants in household 

  • Student progress and attendance (for returning students)

  • Provided supporting documents (recommendation letter + statement of interest)

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

  • Beginning of Fall Semester: September 8th, 2026