Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships
scholarships for our young musicians
Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships
Through Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships (SCMLS), students who are engaged in a music program will have equitable access to private instruction with musicians and teachers. Scholarships may fully or partially fund after-school studies for various instruments. SCMLS is made possible by The Summit Foundation and other generous community members.
“The transformative power of music bridges all divides, whether social, economic, racial, gender or geographic,” said Dave DePeters, CEO of the NRO. “Music teaches empathy and understanding while bringing people together in a way that, too often, words may fail. SCMLS is the first phase in using music as a tool to support the great work our schools and parents are already doing throughout the community. The NRO’s DNA has always been education and this program is the next natural step in our evolution.”
SCMLS Goals
- Inspire middle and high school student musicians in their pursuit of excellence.
- Develop students’ technical aptitude and musicianship on the chosen instrument.
- Build confidence, focus and social-emotional skills through music.
- Provide work for underemployed professional musicians and educators inside and outside the community.
- Continue a model for music education programs augmenting Summit County Schools’ curricular objectives.
I cannot say enough of this wonderful program for talented young adults in our county. Please support the NRO and all of their initiatives in every way you can. The work they do makes our community culturally rich through the love and passion for music.
Scholarships
Applications will be accepted until lessons are filled. All submissions will be reviewed by a volunteer committee and awarded on a need basis. Recipients will be contacted via email by the NRO to confirm program participation. Scholarships are limited.
Eligibility
Eligible SCMLS students:
- Reside in Summit County or neighboring communities.
- Are in 6th through 12th grades (public school, independent, in-person, remote learning or homeschool).
- Know basic skills on an instrument or are engaged in a music program or any activity where the focus is music and music-making.
- Have access to their instrument.
program dates
The NRO is currently accepting applications for the 2026/2027 school year for lessons running from October 12, 2026 – May 21, 2027.
About SCMLS
Lessons
The NRO will make two lump-sum payments directly to each applicant’s teacher to help cover the cost of lessons (once in the fall and once in the spring). Payment amounts will be based on financial need. Lessons may run between October 12, 2026 and May 21, 2027. Currently, students must be able to supply their own instrument for lessons.
The NRO is working to offer instruction in Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion. Lessons, however, are not guaranteed and will be determined based on the availability and expertise of the instructors.
We are also committed to the safety of the community. Lessons may be online or in person based upon the needs of the families and their teachers.
In the event of extremely high demand, a half scholarship may be available. Costs to the applicant would be no more than $15.00 per half-hour session.
Notify Music Teacher or Music Program Leader
The contact information of the applicant’s school music teacher or music program/activity leader is required. Students should notify their instructor they are applying for the scholarship program. Upon approval, the NRO will reach out to the listed person to better understand the student’s skill level.
Instructors
The National Repertory Orchestra is first looking to the local community and surrounding areas for music teachers. NRO alumni will join our team of instructors as well! Additionally, students may list their current teacher on the application, and we will be happy to reach out to them.