Tuition Assistance

Increasing access to our programs is a top priority.

We are deeply committed to access and equity so all interested students can benefit from the GTCYS experience regardless of their ability to pay. GTCYS offers need-based tuition assistance for all our programs, including school-year orchestras, summer programs, tours, and special activities.

Tuition assistance and support for private lessons are based on demonstrated financial need using a confidential application process. We encourage all families experiencing financial hardship to apply, especially if cost is a determining factor for participation.

Tuition assistance at a glance:

• Families with the lowest incomes pay as little as $50/student for the school year.
• Tuition assistance recipients are represented in all 11 school-year orchestras and summer programs.
• Thanks to generous donors, we anticipate awarding more than $250,000 in tuition assistance to 120+ students in our 2025–26 season.
• Families with multiple children in GTCYS may complete one application for all children.
• If your family income is $100,000 or below and you have concerns about the cost of GTCYS tuition, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance.

2025-26 Application timeline:

• Wednesday, June 4, 2025: Application deadline for 2025–26 school-year programs and 2025 summer camps.
• Wednesday, June 25, 2025: GTCYS will send families the results of their applications.

How GTCYS awards assistance:

• GTCYS’ tuition assistance committee reviews all applications.
• The primary factors are household income and family size.
• GTCYS may reach out to applicants to request more information.
• Information about students’ tuition assistance is kept confidential.

Applications for tuition assistance require proof of income:

• Option 1: Upload a 2024 year-end 1040 federal tax return with your application.
• Option 2: Upload a W-2 for all parents/guardians if your 2024 taxes are not available.
• If you don’t have a document which proves your household income, contact info@gtcys.org to schedule a conversation with a GTCYS staff member.

Apply for Tuition Assistance

How GTCYS levels the playing field:

To ensure every interested student can play their part in GTCYS, we offer comprehensive support to increase accessibility and inclusivity in our programming, including:

• Sponsored Lessons: GTCYS students who receive tuition assistance may apply for this program, which matches students with a private teacher for weekly lessons paid by GTCYS. Learn more →
• Launch Lessons: These lessons help level the playing field for students of color who don’t have access to private lessons. Learn more →
• Pathway Musicians: A comprehensive, personalized support system to nurture the growth and talents of Black/African American and Latinx/Hispanic music students. Learn more →
• Reduced-Price Concert Tickets: Although most GTCYS concerts are free, families who receive tuition assistance can purchase reduced-price tickets to ticketed performances.
• Concert Attire: If purchasing concert attire is financially prohibitive, GTCYS will assist in finding necessary clothing.
• Reduced-Price Audition Fee: A $5 option (instead of the regular $45 fee) is available on the audition registration form for families who need it.
• Activity Fees: Lower-priced options are available for extra GTCYS activities, such as orchestra social events, day trips, and special projects.
• Symphony Tour Assistance: Financial assistance is available for Symphony’s international tours using an application process.

From the recipient of GTCYS’ tuition assistance:

“This generous scholarship means a great deal to us. It’s heartening to know that our student will have the opportunity to be a part of this incredible musical journey, thanks to your kindness and support.”  —Parent of a tuition assistance recipient