Jolidon Organ Lesson Scholarships

Jolidon Organ Lesson Scholarships

Purpose: To give persons interested in learning to play the organ the opportunity to undertake formal study of the instrument.

Geographic Scope: Greater Hartford area, Connecticut

Award Amounts: Scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $300, $600, or $900 per trimester, depending on student experience and demonstrated commitment. $300 is recommended for beginning or very young students; $600 or $900 are awarded to more advanced students.

Program Structure: The program runs on a trimester system:

Applications are considered three times a year and are typically due by September 1, January 1, and May 1. Applicants and instructors will typically be notified of awards by September 15, January 15, and May 15.

Eligibility

• Anyone who has a desire to learn to play the organ, regardless of age
• Students must reside in Greater Hartford
• Students must have some previous keyboard proficiency
• Students of all levels are encouraged to apply, including beginners
• Not required to be members of the American Guild of Organists
• All scholarship recipients are eligible for a free one-year membership in AGO upon request

Instructor Requirements

• Instructors must be members of the GHAGO Chapter (regular, special, young, or dual membership)
• Instructors must fill out an Instructors' form at the start of each trimester, one per student
• Instructors must complete an end-of-trimester form for each student

Lesson Arrangements

• Location, duration, and frequency of lessons are decided by mutual arrangement between student and instructor
• Students should consult with instructor to arrange access to an organ for practice time

How Awards Work

• Scholarship decisions are determined by the executive committee of the GHAGO
• Awards are based on demonstrated potential and commitment to musical growth
• Consideration is given to previous Jolidon Scholarships, aiming to encourage awards to first-time recipients
• A scholarship award does not guarantee future awards, but repeat applications are encouraged
• Lessons are subsidized at $60 per lesson-hour, not to exceed the total of a trimester's award
• Payment is made directly to the instructor at the conclusion of each trimester upon receipt of an end-of-trimester report
• A scholarship only covers lessons taught during the trimester for which it was awarded
• If scholarship funding is unused, it does not count towards a future trimester
• A student is responsible for any cost of lessons beyond the scholarship award, paid directly to the instructor

Additional Costs and Requirements

• If the purchase of sheet music and/or organ shoes is required, those costs are paid by the student
• Students in their second year or later of receiving a scholarship are typically expected to perform once annually at a chapter event (e.g., PipeScreams, student/members' recital, or GHAGO sponsored masterclass)

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