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 financial situation. 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 $300,000 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.
NEW: Families of students who are auditioning during the December recruiting round may submit their applications for assistance by Tuesday, December 16. GTCYS will send these families their results by Monday, December 22.

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

Tuition Assistance