The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts in White Plains, has been awarded an $18,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). The grant will support need-based scholarships and tuition assistance for students ages 7-18.
The grant-supported scholarships specifically identifies students of color from low income families who have been recommended by their school music teachers to enroll for further study in the Conservatory’s comprehensive program of music instruction, which is comprised of individual instrumental or vocal instruction (classical, jazz, musical theatre), music theory, orchestra, chorus, and ensemble classes. The course of study centers on standard beginner, intermediate, and advanced repertoire for each instrument. The Conservatory is committed to providing a pre-professional education for these students who will be eligible to continue with consideration for music scholarships through high school.
In order to maintain their comprehensive scholarship program, the Conservatory must continually seek additional funding sources. “Our scholarship program ensures that every child, regardless of age, ethnic origin, ability, or financial means, has access to high quality, comprehensive music instruction,” said Executive Director Carol Shiffman.
Shiffman continues, “This year the Conservatory has seen more requests for financial assistance from our families. Parental loss of employment and current financial difficulties are major factors in the increased need for scholarship support.”
NYSCA is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York’s citizens. The Conservatory’s application for Scholarships for minority and low income students was awarded as part of NYSCA’s Special Arts Services category. This year’s $18,000 grant is a $3,300 (22%) increase in funding over the previous year. NYSCA designated the Conservatory’s application as part of a three year funding cycle.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. Registration is always open and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates.
About the Music Conservatory of Westchester
Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester (www.musicconservatory.org) is a non-profit community school of the arts, providing music, musical theatre education, and music therapy for people of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory’s 36,000-square-foot facility in White Plains offers a Recital Hall and 43 acoustically designed classrooms and teaching studios. Their comprehensive programs, which serve 3,700 students annually, include performing ensembles, musicianship classes, student performances, master classes, workshops, and more. All students receive free admission to the Conservatory’s annual series of faculty recitals and children’s concerts. This year, the Conservatory awarded $110,000 in scholarship support and tuition assistance to more than 115 of its students. The Conservatory is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is one of only 19 non-degree granting institutions in the country to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
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