Piano on Park Music Scholarship Program

Piano on Park's Music Scholarship Program provides need- and merit-based scholarships for private music lessons to students across New York City. We believe that access to high-quality music education should not be limited by financial circumstances, and through this program we aim to remove barriers for talented and motivated young musicians from underserved communities.

About the Program

The Piano on Park Music Scholarship Program is open to all New York City students ages 5–18, regardless of prior music experience or school enrollment. Scholarships cover the partial or full cost of weekly private one-on-one music lessons in piano, voice, violin, and guitar. Selected students may also be eligible for instrument loans for the duration of their scholarship.

Lessons are provided through our educational partner, Opus One Music School, a Manhattan-based music school with an experienced faculty.

Applications are reviewed jointly by Piano on Park and Opus One Music School. Opus One Music School evaluates applicants on the basis of merit and provides recommendations to Piano on Park's scholarship committee. Financial need is independently assessed by SSS VenturEd. Piano on Park makes all final scholarship decisions.

This program has been made possible through the generous support of a private benefactor.

Eligibility

• New York City residents ages 5–18

• Open to all students regardless of prior enrollment at Opus One Music School

• Demonstrated financial need (assessed through SSS VenturEd)

• Strong desire and commitment to learning music

Scholarship Awards

Scholarships are awarded on a need- and merit-basis and cover partial or full tuition costs depending on the applicant's financial circumstances. Awards are made each semester (Fall and Spring) and are not automatically renewed — students must reapply each year.

How to Apply

• Complete the Application Form

• Complete the Financial Aid Application - School Code: 201230. Academic Year: 2025-2026. Download guidelines.

• Send the following supporting materials to: scholarship@pianoonpark.com

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.

Financial aid decisions are made according to the following: 

• 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)

For questions about the scholarship program contact: scholarship@pianoonpark.com