Congregational Sponsorship Program
Financial Aid for Music Education: Our Congregational Sponsorship Program
We understand that the cost of music lessons can be prohibitive for many families.
To help make music more accessible to all students, DHCSM offers financial aid for music education through our Congregational Sponsorship Program (CSP). This program pairs students who may need assistance paying for music lessons with members of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church who want to support an arts education for area youth. Students must be enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school to qualify for the program.
How it Works
STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
If you would like to be considered for financial assistance through the CSP, click on the “Apply Now” button below and fill out the form. A committee will review the application. If it’s determined the student is a fit, he or she will be matched with a donor in the DHPC congregation who has volunteered to give some amount of support for a child’s music education.
Sponsorship is typically for one school year (August through May), and can be renewed if both the sponsor and the family agree to continue the relationship. Families can apply and join the program at any time of the year.
If selected for the program, students/families agree to . . .
Log consistent practice time, as determined by the instructor. Parents must sign off that the practice time was completed and send the practice logs with the students to their lessons each week. For children under age 10, parental involvement in practice time is strongly encouraged.
Demonstrate consistent progress, as determined by their instructors.
Participate in at least two (2) performances each semester. Performances can include recitals, studio classes, performances in the community, etc. Students should invite their sponsor to attend all performances.
Maintain communication with their sponsor throughout the year, including sending thank-you cards, notes updating the sponsor on progress, short videos, and invitations to performances. With approval from instructors, sponsors can also be invited to attend a lesson on occasion.
Stay current with monthly payments of any balance due where sponsorship does not cover 100% of a student’s tuition.
In exchange, sponsors will pay a set amount – either a percentage of lesson cost (i.e., 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%) or a set dollar amount (i.e., $100) – to DHCSM on behalf of the student on the first of every month. The student will be responsible for any remaining balance due.
Acceptance into the sponsorship program is not based solely on financial need. The committee considers a much fuller picture, to include family situation, the number of children enrolled in the music school, a student’s goals and commitment to music, reasons for wanting to take music lessons, and more.