inBachs / Starting a Scholarship Program for Your Music Studio

I think it’s fair to assume that most studio owners want to make music education more accessible. It can be a struggle to figure out how to do this sustainably.

That’s where a scholarship program comes in. I’ve mentioned before an approach that I’ve used in my clarinet studio and I’m a firm believer that this can be a win-win for families and independent teachers.

Honesty Pill podcast - jump to 37:33

Decide Your Scholarship Philosophy

Start by figuring out why you want to offer scholarships and what outcomes you’re trying to create for your community.

I’ve typically capped scholarships at around 10% of her studio capacity. That gives me room to support families who need it most while keeping my business healthy. I also ask for a statement of need from families so that I can better understand who truly needs support, not just who wants a discount.

Set Clear Criteria

A scholarship program only works if applicants know what you’re looking for. Your criteria could include:

Financial need (via a short written statement)
Passion for music (short essay or performance video)
Studio values (commitment to practice)

Whether you choose need-based, merit-based, or a hybrid approach, be transparent about expectations so applicants feel respected and taken seriously.

Decide How Much

Figure out what percentage of your studio you can afford to support without hurting your bottom line.

My guidenline of holding scholarships to around 10% of your roster is a useful reference point because it keeps your program generous but responsible.

If you’re unsure what your pricing should look like before you start offering scholarships, check out this lesson pricing guide to help you set fair rates.

Create an Application

A simple application is better than none and it doesn’t have to be long:

Student name and age
Parent contact info
Statement of need
Why music matters to the applicant

Asking for something written helps families articulate why the support matters and helps you make thoughtful decisions.

Communicate Clearly

Make sure the expectations and next steps are clear for both applicants and recipients. Decide whether scholarship recipients are expected to:

Maintain a certain lesson attendance rate
Participate in recitals
Contribute in small ways (e.g., helping at events)

Being clear with families up front avoids confusion and builds respect.

Consider How You’ll Sustain It

Scholarship programs can grow into something beautiful and far-reaching, but only if you plan for sustainability.

Some studios will set aside a small portion of tuition revenue each month to fund scholarships, partner with community donors or offer fundraisers with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund

Whatever strategy you choose, build a plan that keeps the program going year after year.

A scholarship program can be one of the most fulfilling ways to support your studio community and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and let your values guide you.

By setting clear criteria, capping your awards responsibly, and creating a thoughtful application process (like I talk about in the video interview), you can make music education more accessible while keeping your studio thriving.

If you’d like help building out your own scholarship program framework, make sure to mention in your submission that you would like to chat about sustainability in your free strategy session for your private studio.