CVSM Scholarships

At the Cumberland Valley School of Music, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the chance to pursue their musical education. To support this mission, we have developed a scholarship program aimed at assisting students who may encounter barriers to studying music. This page outlines our scholarship policies for students, parents, and faculty, detailing eligibility criteria, the application process, and the various scholarships available. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, CVSM aims to make music education accessible to a wide range of students and help to enriching our community as a whole.

Merit Scholarships:
Merit awards are available for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and/or potential. These awards are determined through an audition process held in the Spring of each year. Guidelines are available for merit awards can be found here.

Guarriello Scholarship:
The Henry and Janet Guarriello Scholarship is an endowment of the Franklin County Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who has studied at Cumberland Valley School of Music for at least four consecutive years and is accepted into a college or a conservatory to pursue a degree in music or theater arts. More information on the Guarriello Scholarship can be found here.

Financial Assistance Scholarships:
Our financial assistance program is sustained by the generosity of our donors, allowing us to dedicate effort to supporting those facing economic hardship. Resources are limited, but every effort will be made to provide assistance. All recipients are asked to contribute something toward the cost of their lessons, no matter how small. Please note that due to high demand, we cannot guarantee aid for every applicant with a demonstrated need. The application can be found here.

Scholarship Policies:

• New applications may be submitted at any time.
• All applicants are asked to submit a complete copy of the most recent federal tax return or some proof of income, if available. (Not having this information will not prevent scholarship consideration.) This material cannot be returned to you.
• It is important that any additional information which might effect the decision of the school to grant aid be detailed as part of the application. Such information might include unusual medical expenses or expenses for education. Please document such expenses.
• All information submitted will be kept in strict confidence.
• Any scholarship received is applied to the student account and is not given in the form of cash.
• If there is a change in the length or number of lessons, the scholarship will be adjusted accordingly.
• A student who withdraws before the completion of a semester will not receive credit on his/her scholarship for subsequent enrollment.
• The receipt of a scholarship does not guarantee future scholarships.
• Scholarships for summer instruction is dependent on budget allowance and not guaranteed.
• The acceptance of a scholarship carries with it an obligation of the student to attend lessons regularly and work diligently on making progress in their principal area of concentration. Scholarships may be withdrawn at any time if, in the opinion of the teacher and members of the CVSM staff, the recipient fails to meet the minimum standards which are expected by the teacher and CVSM.
• Recipients of scholarships may be asked to perform on behalf of CVSM, either as a soloist or part of an ensemble, or may be requested to assist in school events by serving as an usher, helping with bulk mailing, or similar volunteer activities. Consideration will be given to conflicts with school, church, and family activities.
• A maximum of $1200 per student will be given per academic year.
• Recipients will be asked to sign a letter of agreement accepting the financial aid and return it within two weeks of notification of the award.