JAVS Summer 2026

Foundations & Grant Search Databases Candid Formerly Foundation Center + GuideStar. Search: • “Foundation Directory Online” Use for: • Finding private foundations funding arts education • Regional family foundations • Community grants

Alternative Pathways When the Opportunity is Inaccessible A “no” to one opportunity is not a “no” to growth.

Look into:

Virtual Study Search:

• “Online masterclass [instrument]” • “Virtual lessons with orchestra members” • “Artist mentorship programs”

Also explore :

Mellon Foundation Major arts/higher education support.

Festivals as Auditors Search:

• “[Festival Name] auditor program”

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans Relevant for some graduate/professional pathways.

Regional Professional Organizations Examples: • Local chapters of national music organizations • State music teacher associations • New music collectives

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Local Community Foundations Search: • “[County/City] community foundation arts grants”

Search:

• “[State] music teachers association” • “[Region] composer collective”

Many have small awards ($500–$5,000) that cover exactly the kinds of travel costs musicians need.

Peer Networks Create:

• Accountability groups • Répertoire circles • Reading groups • Independent chamber projects

Festival & Program Funding: Questions to Ask Before Declining Email admissions and ask directly: • Are additional merit scholarships released after enrollment deadlines? • Are cancellations redistributed as funding?

Funding literacy is increasingly a professional skill. For many musicians, careers are sustained not by one transformative scholarship, but by learning how to assemble support from multiple smaller sources—and recognizing that inaccessible opportunities do not define artistic potential.

• Is emergency assistance available? • Are there alumni sponsorship funds? • Can payment plans be extended? • Is there work-study? • Are volunteer exchanges available? • Can I attend partially? • Are travel awards separate from tuition aid? • Are host-family options available? • Can I audit for reduced cost? • Are accompanist fees subsidized?

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue

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