As part of the mission of Valley Music Academy, we believe that high-quality music education should be available to all children in our community, regardless of their family's financial status. Financial assistance for private music lessons, group classes, and Musikgarten is awarded to eligible students through the age of 18 in the form of 10%, 25%, 50%, or 60% scholarships. Scholarship availability is determined annually based on grant funding and the state of Valley Music Academy’s current financial budget. VMA awards scholarships based on (1) the financial need of the family and (2) the musical progress, effort, and potential of the individual student.
VMA uses the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines in determining scholarship amounts. To apply for a scholarship, please read the criteria below and fill out the form completely. The VMA staff will contact you within 7-10 business days in order to request any necessary documentation to confirm your application, and to work with you to complete your enrollment.
Scholarships applications are welcomed on a rolling basis, and will be reviewed by the Program Director and members of the Board of Directors. If your family’s financial situation changes, you must notify VMA immediately. The scholarship committee will review this information and notify you of any change, if any, in your scholarship assistance within four weeks. During this review time, the original level of scholarship aid will continue to be provided.
In addition to the general VMA Policies, scholarship recipients should be aware of the following guidelines:
- Applicants must reside in one of the following areas: Staunton, Waynesboro, or the counties of Augusta, Albemarle, Nelson, Rockingham or Rockbridge. Scholarship awards may be used for online or in-person lessons or classes.
Scholarships are awarded as a specific discount toward each individual lesson or class (see here for private lesson rates and details).
Students will be required to pay the full tuition rate for unexcused absences. (see attendance policy for details).
Scholarship awards and tuition charges will be removed for excused absences and cancellation. Scholarship awards will be removed for unexcused student absences, however, tuition charges will not be removed. Refer to VMA Studio Policies for absence procedures.
Two unexcused absences within a semester may result in termination of the scholarship pending a review by the Program Director and members of the Board of Directors
A valid credit or debit card authorization must be provided to VMA for monthly tuition and/or material payments. The student portion of the tuition will automatically be charged on or about the 1st business day of each month. Students who choose to pay by check or may be charged an additional convenience fee each month.
Private studio students are expected to perform in the student recitals.
Upon scholarship award, the parent/guardian must sign the scholarship award agreeing to the terms and conditions listed here. Failure to sign and return the scholarship award will result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
Scholarships apply toward tuition only. The scholarship student’s materials and/or registration fees must be paid by the student/parent.
