Music Lesson Subsidy Program

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Eligibility

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

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.

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. 

Please note:

• Students enrolled in the Harvard/NEC or Harvard/Berklee joint programs of study are ineligible for MLSP funding.
• The Music Lesson Subsidy Program does not fund composition lessons. 
• Subsidies are not applicable for lessons with members of the Parker Quartet.

Funding award amounts

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.

For 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.

For 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

Members of the Harvard Choruses may contact Dr. Hana Cai, Associate Director of Choral Activities with questions.

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