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Scholarship Application Information

The mission statement of the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) includes providing "quality instruction to any community member who desires to learn music and arts." We strive to keep our programs accessible and, thanks to generous support, are still able to do so. Our scholarship program offers tuition reduction based upon household income and size. All students are eligible to apply. CSMA does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, national or ethnic origin, or religion.

Scholarship awards are for a full year from the date of the award (4 school terms). Awards are in the form of a percentage reduction of the member tuition rates. Funds are not given directly to the student. Applicants will be notified of awards by email if an email address is provided, otherwise notification will be by phone or regular mail.

The Scholarship Application consists of three parts:

  • The application form itself (2 pages)
  • The required documents pertaining to your situation
  • A medical release form for each student under 18 years of age
  • Please note: If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's income tax return, then you must include their income information, their income documentation, and a copy of their tax return. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete and return all the above items to the Community School of Music and Arts. Applications submitted without supporting documentation of all sources of income (sections 2 and 3 of the application) will not be considered. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Completed forms and attachments should be returned to:

 
Scholarship Committee
  
 
The Community School of Music and Arts
 
330 East State Street
  
 
Ithaca, NY 14850
  
Gloria Perry Gerstman Memorial Piano Scholarship Fund
Our mother, nee Gloria Perry Gerstman (1926-2006) brought joy and a love of music into our home through her consummate musicianship and pure love of playing the piano. We especially remember those warm summer nights when we would drift off to sleep to the gentle sounds of her fingers at the keyboard. She left us a deep appreciation of the restorative and sustaining power of music, and through this scholarship fund in her name we want to help convey this gift to others.

Sara Schaffzin

Joann Schaffzin Boegeman

This Scholarship Fund is available for private instruction students in piano. Please call the office for information.
The Alessandro Vico Memorial Scholarship
The Alessandro Vico Scholarship was established August 12, 2003 in memory of "Al" Vico. Al was an imaginative, ambitious individual who did things his own way. His musical talent was full of this resourcefulness and was reflected in every instrument he played, including french horn, piano and drums. Unfortunately, his spirit was taken to a higher place before he could realize his dreams. He would be honored to know that he has helped to plant a musical seed in the hands and spirit of a similar individual on their way to the gift of music.
  John and Vera Vico
Interested students and thir families may inquire about the Alessandro Vico Memorial Scholarship by contacting the office.

Ithaca Community Choruses Vocal Scholarship in honor of Paul Gibbons
The Gibbons Scholarship was established in 2001 by the Ithaca Community Choruses to honor the choruses' founding director, Paul Gibbons, and to provide a promising high school voice student with the means for musical training. The Ithaca Community Choruses, founded in 1976 by Gibbons, today comprises the Ithaca Community Chorus and Chamber Singers, VOICES Multicultural Chorus, and the Ithaca Gay Men's Chorus (ithacacommunitychoruses.org).
This Scholarship Fund is available to high school students, for private instruction in voice or for participation in the CSMA Ithaca Children's Choir. Please call the office for information.