Hester Savage Fund for Equity in Classical Music

“We believe in equity of access to music education and are committed to doing our part.”

San Ramon Academy of Music is proud to offer financial aid to students in need of assistance. Through our partnership with the Hester Savage Fund for Equity in Classical Music, students may apply for aid to support private lessons, instrument rentals, and group classes.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time. Aid decisions are typically made within 5-20 business days. Depending on the amount and type of aid awarded, you may be required to verify financial information before finalizing your scholarship.

We are a proud partner of the Hester Savage Fund for Equity in Classical Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible and directly support the education and empowerment of scholarship recipients.

Learn More Donate Apply Now

Financial Aid at San Ramon Academy of Music

To ensure both security and fairness in our scholarship program, we partner with the Hester Savage Fund (HSF) to manage sensitive aspects like tax information and application review. This collaboration guarantees an objective and confidential process, free from potential biases, and upholds the integrity of our commitment to equity and transparency​​​.

Our scholarship program is designed to offer comprehensive support for students with financial constraints, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their musical education without economic barriers. Understanding the multifaceted costs associated with high-quality music education, our scholarships are not limited to lesson tuition alone. Instead, they provide a more holistic form of support, which can include group and private lesson tuition, recital fees, examination fees, instrument costs, and more.

Award Process:

Assessment of Financial Need:

Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their financial situation, which helps us understand the level of support needed.

Determination of Award Amount:

Based on the provided information and the student’s enrollment in various music education programs, we calculate an award amount that best supports their needs for the year.

Comprehensive Support:

Our goal is to ensure that financial assistance addresses the broad scope of educational expenses, allowing students to fully engage in their musical education without the stress of financial burdens.

Annual Renewal:

Recognizing that financial situations and educational needs can change, scholarships require annual renewal. This process allows us to adjust support according to current circumstances and ensures fairness in the distribution of funds.

Our scholarship program accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can submit your application at any time throughout the year. Scholarships are awarded every quarter, allowing us to continuously evaluate and support the financial needs of our music community. This approach ensures that potential changes in financial circumstances can be addressed promptly, offering timely assistance to our students and their families.

For more information on how to apply for financial assistance, including details on eligibility criteria and the application process, please continue to scroll.

  • Application Window: Rolling basis and reviewed every quarter
    • Applications must be renewed for the upcoming fiscal year by no later than August 30th.
  • Age Requirement: Eligible students must be between 5 to 18 years of age at the time of application.
  • Enrollment Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled at the San Ramon Academy of Music, either as a private student or in a group class. Prospective students planning to enroll for the first time may apply, provided they complete their enrollment by the application close date.
  • Income Threshold: To ensure our program supports those most in need, the family income of applicants must be at or below 70% of the San Ramon median family income. This threshold is designed to prioritize financial assistance for families who face significant barriers to accessing music education due to economic constraints.
  • Documentation Requirement:
    • Proof of income through recent tax returns or pay stubs.
    • Proof of enrollment at SRAM for the current or upcoming term.
    • A personal statement detailing the importance of music education to the applicant or, for students aged 13 or older, a personal letter written by the student themselves.
    • Student’s most recent academic transcript
  • Additional Considerations: Applicants receiving other forms of educational financial aid must disclose this information as part of their application. This does not disqualify an applicant, it helps us understand the full scope of their financial needs.

    To uphold the integrity of our scholarship program and ensure that our limited resources benefit the most dedicated and deserving students, we incorporate standards of accountability and progress. As part of our eligibility requirements:

    • Attendance: Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain a high level of commitment to their music education by attending at least 90% of their scheduled classes. Regular attendance is crucial for sustained progress and reflects the student’s dedication to their musical growth.
    • Progress: In addition to regular attendance, scholarship students must demonstrate tangible progress in their music education. Progress will be assessed based on teacher evaluations, performance in recitals or examinations, and the student’s overall engagement and improvement in their respective program.
    • Review Process: Compliance with these requirements will be reviewed periodically. Continuation of financial assistance into subsequent terms will depend on the student meeting these accountability and progress standards. This process allows us to continually support those students who are making the most of the opportunities provided by the Hester Savage Fund scholarship.

Ready to Apply?

Check Eligibility

Ensure your child meets the age, financial need, and academic requirements

Prepare Documents

Gather necessary documents, including proof of financial status and school grades.

Fill Out Application

Complete the application form with accurate information.

Review & Submit

Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting.

Await Decision

Decisions will be communicated by the end of August.

Financial Aid Application

Financial Assistance FAQs

Eligibility is based on financial need, student age (5-18 years), enrollment status at SRAM (either in private lessons or group classes), and family income at or below 70% of San Ramon’s median family income. Additional factors include attendance, academic performance, and progress in music education.

Our scholarship program accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can submit your application at any time throughout the year. Scholarships are awarded every quarter, allowing us to continuously evaluate and support the financial needs of our music community. This approach ensures that potential changes in financial circumstances can be addressed promptly, offering timely assistance to our students and their families.

Scholarships can cover all or parts of lesson tuition, class fees, recital fees, and examination fees. The award amount is based on financial need and the specific programs in which the student is enrolled.

Once awarded, financial assistance is provided until the end of August the next year, regardless of when the application was submitted. This means that if you receive aid, it will cover your tuition and associated fees up to that date. To continue receiving support beyond that date, you will need to go through the renewal process, submitting your application by February 30th for consideration for the upcoming school year. This policy ensures that financial assistance aligns with our fiscal planning and allows us to reassess and reallocate funds effectively to meet the needs of our music community.

Required documents include proof of income (tax returns or pay stubs), proof of enrollment at SRAM, the student’s most recent report card, and a personal statement or letter from the student if they are aged 13 or older.

Awards are calculated annually, considering the applicant’s financial need, cost of enrolled music programs, and the academy’s capacity to provide support. Each application is reviewed comprehensively to ensure fair and impactful distribution of funds.

Yes, you can still apply. However, you must disclose any other forms of financial aid or scholarships you receive as part of your application. This information helps us fully understand your financial situation.

Financial aid is awarded with consideration to the overall needs of the family, including families with multiple children enrolled in our programs. However, it’s important to note that a unique application must be submitted for each child seeking assistance. This allows us to accurately assess the individual needs and circumstances of each student. While aid is given with an understanding of the cumulative financial burden on the family, separate applications ensure that each child’s eligibility and need for support are properly evaluated. We do give special consideration to families with multiple applicants to ensure that financial assistance is distributed in a way that supports the family’s collective engagement in music education.

If your financial situation changes significantly, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. We understand that circumstances can change and are committed to supporting our music community through those changes.

Complete all sections of the application thoroughly and provide detailed documentation and thoughtful responses, especially in the personal statement or letter. Demonstrating a clear need for financial assistance and a passion for music education will help your application stand out.

Have more questions? We’re happy to help!