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