PROMISING YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM

The Friends of Music (FOM) is offering an exciting new pilot program for promising young artists who demonstrate financial need. We will be selecting one talented instrumentalist or vocalist in the 6th - 8th grade who is not otherwise able to study privately. FOM will provide up to $500 toward music lessons or a summer music program in spring or summer 2010.

Eligibility: Musicians in Lehigh Valley middle schools who are able to demonstrate financial need are eligible. Financial need is considered "automatic" if the child's family qualifies for the school lunch program. The principal of the school can also use other benchmarks to determine need, and FOM will only require the principal's signature. Students will not be identified publicly without explicit permission of the parent(s) or guardian.

Procedures: If you know of a student who would benefit from this program, please have the teacher, principal, and parent fill out the form below. Please send the completed application form below, along with a paragraph from the student explaining why she or he would like to study music, to the following address:

Friends of Music Promising Young Artist Program P.O. Box 21 Bethlehem, PA 18016-0021

The deadline for application is December 15th, 2009. Before making a final determination, members of the selection committee will contact the music teacher to arrange for an interview with both the music teacher and student. The FOM will work with the individual student to find an appropriate teacher and location for lessons. We will also work with the teacher to help provide for loaner instruments if possible. All payments will be made directly to the music teacher or music lesson program, and the FOM will request monthly progress reports.

Questions?: Feel free to contact George Schermerhorn at schermerhorn@enter.net. Download the Promising Young Artist application and complete per the application instructions.