The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts in White Plains, NY, has been awarded a total of $41,000 in grants from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). The grants will support need-based scholarships and tuition assistance for students ages 7-18, as well as funding for the school’s Live on Central concert series, a partnership with area public schools to provide music education for special needs students, and the Conservatory’s extensive music and musical theatre programming for all ages. The grant-supported scholarships specifically identify students of color from low-income families to enroll.
These students have the opportunity to thrive in the school’s comprehensive program of music instruction, which includes 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.
“We are delighted to receive this support and recognition for our work from NYSCA. Our scholarship program ensures that every child, regardless of age, ethnic origin, ability, or financial means, has access to high quality, comprehensive music instruction,” explained Executive Director Carol Shiffman. “We are committed to providing a pre-professional education for these students, all of whom will be eligible to continue with consideration for music scholarships through high school.”
In order to maintain their comprehensive scholarship program, however, the Conservatory must continually seek additional funding sources.
“The need that many of our students face is still growing,” said Shiffman. “The number of requests for financial assistance from our families continues to rise.”
In addition to the need-based scholarships, NYSCA’s grant funding helps to make possible the Conservatory’s ever-expanding list of program offerings and extensive annual concert line-up, which includes a numerous
performance opportunities for students, the school’s expert faculty, and renowned guest artists. 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 applications for grant funding were awarded in NYSCA’s Special Arts Services, Music, and Arts Education categories. NYSCA designated the
Conservatory’s grants as part of a three-year funding cycle currently in its second year.
“The Conservatory is particularly grateful to NYSCA for their foresight in awarding this multi-year funding, as it allows for long-range planning and stability,” Shiffman explained.
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 (Westchester MusicConservatory) and Twitter (@MusicCW), or check their new blog (www.musicconservatoryblog.org) for
the latest news and updates.
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