Stage’s TAP, or Tuition Assistance Program, is designed to provide tuition reduction & assistance to those with a financial need or hardship who would otherwise not be able to afford our services. Stages Music Arts reserves the right to approve or deny assistance at our sole discretion. TAP funds may only be used towards private lessons or group classes.
What factors does Stages Music Arts consider when making tuition assistance decisions?
The Tuition Assistance awards are given based on financial need. Stages does not require families to send in tax forms or other financial documentation.
Where do the funds for Stages’ tuition assistance come from?
Funds are provided by donations of other members within the Stages community. However, Stages is not a 501(c)(3), and any donations are not tax deductible. Stages Music Arts is a small private company, but we do set aside financial assistance funds for families in need.
What is the deadline to apply for tuition assistance?
Our tuition assistance application is made available all throughout the year, and assistance is granted on a rolling basis.
How many tuition assistance awards does Stages give each year?
There is no set number of awards given each year. Our budget for tuition assistance is dependent on overall donations in a given year and other funding as Stages can secure it. We will do everything we can to accommodate as many tuition assistance requests as possible.
What are the income parameters for a family to receive tuition assistance?
There are no specific income parameters; Stages will review all applications and is willing to consider special circumstances.
When will I hear from Stages about my financial aid assistance?
Typical TAP applications will take no longer than 2 weeks to be reviewed and processed, however, depending on the circumstances, it may take longer if necessary.
How else can I get financial assistance to attend Stages Music Arts?
We strongly recommend that families begin to secure financial assistance outside of Stages’ financial aid program as early as possible. We are more than happy to help you with this process by providing letters of intent to attend our program or documentation of all fees. Former participants have had luck getting additional funding from a variety of sources, including: local service organizations; requesting sponsorship from community organizations and religious institutions; setting up a crowd-funding site, such as GoFundMe or Kickstarter; reaching out to family and friends; or organizing a fundraising activity like a holding a carwash, selling products at local sporting events, or supporting other community service projects. We have found that motivated students who get creative in their approach often successfully raise the funds that are not covered by the tuition assistance package.
