Music Lesson Subsidy Program

Detail photo of a student holding a violin

How to Apply

2025-2026 Academic Year

Application: TBD
Deadline:  Please check back in mid-August for deadline dates

Eligibility: Students must be on financial aid and registered with the College full time to qualify for funding consideration. 

Questions ?  Contact Stephanie Troisi, Student Services Coordinator 

Overview

The Music Lesson Subsidy Program is administered by the Office for the Arts to support instrumental and vocal instruction to qualified, full-time, enrolled Harvard College undergraduates currently receiving some financial aid. It is intended for students who, without financial help, could not make a sustained commitment to taking music lessons. The program is not for beginning musicians. New applicants must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency and/or potential, as evidenced by their musical activities. Returning applicants who have been awarded subsidies in past academic years will have their financial aid status reviewed prior to any subsidy determination for the new academic year. 

Please note:

  • Students enrolled in the Harvard/NEC or Harvard/Berklee joint programs of study are ineligible for MLSP funding.
  • Funding requests for composition lessons will not be considered.
  • Subsidies are not applicable for lessons with members of the Parker Quartet. 

Applicants who are Music Concentrators:
Special funding from the Department of Music will now be awarded to music concentrators(full/joint) beginning in the fall semester of the sophomore year.  The aid package and administration of the program is the same as the Office for the Arts' Music Lesson Subsidy Program awards. Smaller subsidies for those students not on financial aid are also available. 

  • Complete the Music Lesson Subsidy Application by the posted deadline

 Applicants who are Harvard Choruses members:

If you are an undergraduate receiving financial aid from the College, you are eligible for funding through the Music Lesson Subsidy Program and the Holden Voice Program

  • Complete the Music Lesson Subsidy Application by the posted deadline
  • Complete the Holden Voice Program Registration Form

If you are an undergraduate not receiving financial aid from the College or a graduate student, you are only eligible for funding through the Holden Voice Program

  • Complete the Holden Voice Program Registration Form

Contact Dr. Hana Cai, Associate Director of Choral Activities with questions.

Subsidies help cover a portion of expenses students incur from taking private music lessons (up to six lessons per semester) during the academic year. In general between 50% and 60% of lesson costs are covered per semester based on financial need.  The average subsidy is $400 per semester however, where extreme financial need has been determined, larger awards may be granted.*  Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need as determined by the University and evidence of ongoing musical commitment and involvement (such as public recitals or performances and participation in Harvard and non-Harvard musical organizations or events.) Multiple subsidies for the study of more than one instrument or for instrument and voice study are not provided.

Recipients select their own teachers, schedule lessons directly with them, and are responsible for handling all payments to teachers. The OFA’s online Music Teacher Reference Guide provides a listing of local music instructors who teach, have taught, or are interested in teaching undergraduate students. This listing is a resource only. Recipients may choose to take lessons from other instructors.

After award decisions have been determined, students approved for funding will receive email notice. Payment processing information will be sent along with subsidy award notification. Funds will be distributed via online direct deposit.  We ask recipients to sign up for the electronic payment system recommended by Harvard University. This will insure deposit directly into the recipient’s account in a timely manner.  In January, the OFA contacts teachers for an evaluation of the lessons and record of attendance. If the lesson plan has been carried out, and if the renewal form is returned and indicates reasonable progress and/or commitment, the subsidy will be renewed for the second semester. If a student has not followed through with their first-semester plan of study, the subsidy may be cancelled or recalculated at mid-year to reflect lesson plan changes. In such cases, the student will be expected to return any unused funds to the Music Lesson Subsidy Fund. 

* Note to international students: depending on the type of visa you have,  between 14% - 30% of your subsidy may be withheld for taxes. For additional information, please visit the Office of the Controller's tax information for students.
 

2026-27: Instrument Rental Fund

The Office for the Arts (OFA) offers funding to cover the cost of renting an instrument for participation in one of the College's Music Ensembles or other active engagement(s) within the Harvard Music Community.  The OFA anticipates being able to support funding for 5-10 undergraduates. In general, rental support amounts range between $400-$600. The maximum amount of rental support that could be considered is $1,000 for the entire academic year. 

To qualify you must:
-Be enrolled full time as an undergraduate of Harvard College for the current academic year (2025-2026)
-Preference will be given to students who are members of one of Harvard's Music Ensembles. 
-Rental costs can be covered, but at this time purchase of an instrument is not available.


The OFA will provide funding and  suggestions for rental company options. Funding will be directed to approved recipients. Recipients will be responsible for processing rental request, care, upkeep and return of the rental instrument to the rental company.  

If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Troisi, Student Services Coordinator, (troisi@fas.harvard.edu)