Nevada School of the Arts is committed to providing a high-quality music and arts education that is affordable and available to all families in our community, regardless of economic background. The following information is provided to assist students, parents, and faculty members in understanding the scholarship policies of Nevada School of the Arts. We offer the Bernice Fischer Merit Scholarships (based on Teacher Recommendation) and Need-based Scholarships (based on Financial Need).
SCHOLARSHIP POLICIES
- Any award will be credited towards private lesson or chamber music tuition.
- Scholarships are not available for the summer semester.
- Students who register for one semester only (fall or spring) will be awarded a scholarship for that semester only and will be expected to reapply for funding the following semester.
- If a student registers for lessons in the fall and spring and is awarded a scholarship, the scholarship will cover both semesters, providing a positive teacher evaluation is received by the office at the end of the fall semester. However, if the student is registering for different and/or additional activities in spring, he/she is expected to submit a new application form in spring.
- Reduction of lesson length will not be allowed after the reward has been granted. Any increase in lesson length during the award period will not result in a proportionate increase in the award.
- Students who withdraw prior to the completion of a semester will have 100% of their awards revoked and will be charged in full for all lessons scheduled, and/or taken, up to the time of the school’s receipt of a written withdrawal request.
- The acceptance of scholarship assistance from Nevada School of the Arts carries with it an agreement on the part of the student to attend lessons punctually and regularly and to practice diligently in order to make progress in his/her principal area of concentration. Scholarships may be withdrawn at any time if the recipient fails to commit to the minimum standards which are expected by the teacher and Nevada School of the Arts. The receipt of a scholarship once does not guarantee assistance in the future.
- All scholarship recipients are required to perform in the school’s end-of-term recital; exceptions will be made only with the primary teacher’s written request. In addition, they may be asked to perform on behalf of the school either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or to assist in school events appropriate for their age and ability.
- All scholarship recipients agree to participate in the NSA orchestral programs (Prep, Intermezzo, or Chamber) if their chosen instrument is listed under the strings or woodwinds/brass sections. This requirement adds to the student’s education and performance opportunities. NSA’s Orchestra program is a full scholarship program.
- All applicants will be informed of the scholarship decisions in writing within one week of the application deadline. All those awarded scholarship awards are expected to respond in writing within one week; failure to contact the office to indicate acceptance of the award renders the award null and void and the money will revert to the scholarship pool.
- Piano Student Scholarship Recipients will be expected to take on collaborative piano (accompanying) responsibilities as decided by the Piano Department Director and private teacher.
- All non-orchestral instrument scholarship recipients agree to perform one NSA performance per semester as a “gig” within the community for no fee as part of their scholarship agreement.
At Nevada School of the Arts, we are dedicated to fostering a passion for music and the arts within our community. Recognizing that financial constraints should not hinder the pursuit of artistic dreams, we are proud to continue offering our Scholarship Program since 1977.
Our goal is to serve the underserved communities, offering a lifeline to families who, despite the eagerness of their children to pursue an arts education, find themselves constrained by financial hardships.
We invite those facing financial hurdles to apply for assistance in covering the costs of private lessons and chamber music.
AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE
We understand that some families in our community may face financial challenges, yet harbor the desire to nurture their child's artistic talents. To bridge this gap, we offer Need-based Scholarships, ensuring that excellence in arts education remains accessible to all.
BERNICE FISCHER MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
These scholarships are awarded SOLEY upon Teacher Recommendation. Students that display talent, hard work and progress may be eligible for a Bernice Fischer Merit Scholarship, providing them with the means to elevate their education and take significant strides towards their artistic goals. Bernice Fischer Merit Scholarships are awarded SOLEY upon teacher recommendation.
Bernice Fischer has been a generous supporter of NSA and other arts organizations for decades. Having passed in 2022, Bernice left a legacy to support the arts education of children. "We all need art in our lives, especially as young children," Fischer affirms, in her signature southern lilt. "My heart is with the arts, and we all should do our part to make sure they're not forgotten."
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Eligibility:
Students 18 years or younger in families with a gross adjusted income of $60,000 or less per year
Award Amount:
Scholarship amounts vary based on financial need
Named Scholarships:
Among the many need-based scholarships NSA awards, NSA offers several named scholarships to students. These are scholarships established in the name of donors, foundations, or in memoriam.
Alan and Christy Molasky Family Charitable Foundation
Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation
John C. Kish Foundation
Lionel Hamel Scholarship for Guitar
Michael & Janice Howard Foundation
Wynn Resorts
Deadlines:
Scholarship applications due by 4:00pm on:
Fall Semester - August 31
Spring Semester - January 31
DETAILED INFORMATION
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of the following:
- Need, as demonstrated by family size, income, and extenuating circumstances
- Teacher evaluation, either from the current NSA teacher for returning applicants or from a classroom teacher (preferably art or music) for new applicants
- Availability of scholarship funds
- Applicant’s payment history with the school program
Note:
- Awards are partial and are awarded in the form of discounted registration fees. Please submit one form per family, listing all members requesting funding.
- Those who are new to the program, if funded, are likely to receive a small award as first-time applicants; this may be re-evaluated and increased by the committee in an upcoming semester
- A family with a gross adjusted income of $60,000 or more per year is ineligible to apply for a need-based scholarship.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications missing any of the following or submitted after the deadline will not be considered:
Registration Form and Fee: Applicants must complete a registration form, indicating what lesson, ensemble, or class the student is interested in taking. The registration form must be accompanied by the registration fee, which is non-refundable. Final billing arrangements will be made for all scholarship applicants after the awards are allocated.
Scholarship Application Form: The scholarship application form must include a photocopy of your most recent federal income tax return. If parents and/or guardians file taxes separately, please include a copy of both statements. If you did not file a tax return, a letter from your employer stating your income or a copy of your W-2 form will suffice. A pay stub is not sufficient. If your financial situation has changed since your last filing, you must verify your current status and benefit, in addition to providing your most recent tax return. Include all forms of assistance, i.e. public assistance, child support, alimony, housing allowances, unemployment benefits, etc. A written statement is not sufficient. All income information will be held in the strictest confidence. Applicants are responsible for making their own photocopies.
Teacher Recommendation: This may be either your current NSA teacher (preferable) or a classroom teacher.
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIP AT NSA
Click above to apply for scholarships at NSA. Need-based scholarships are completed per family.