Who is eligible?

• Anyone who has a desire to learn to play the organ, regardless of age. Students must reside in Greater Hartford and have some previous keyboard proficiency. Students of all levels are encouraged to apply, including beginners.

• Applicants are not required to be members of the American Guild of Organists. All scholarship recipients are eligible, upon request, to receive a free one-year membership in the American Guild of Organists.

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Who will be my teacher? 
• Instructors must be members of the GHAGO Chapter (regular, special, young, or dual membership). If you require assistance finding a potential organ instructor, please contact us at HartfordAGO@gmail.com.

• Instructors must fill out an Instructors' form at the start of each trimester, one per student.

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

How does the program work?
• The program runs on a trimester system. Scholarships are granted to fund lessons from September through December, January through April, and May through August.

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• Scholarship applications are considered three times a year and are typically due by September 1, January 1, and May 1. 

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• 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.

 

• Scholarship decisions are determined by the executive committee of the GHAGO. Awards are based on a number of factors including demonstrated potential and commitment to musical growth. Consideration is also given with regard 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. 

• Applicants and instructors will typically be notified of awards by September 15, January 15, and May 15.

• Lessons are subsidized at a rate of $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.

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Are there any additional costs or 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—for example, at PipeScreams, a student or members’ recital, or in an GHAGO sponsored masterclass.

How do I apply?
• Complete online application form, available here.

I have more questions!
• Please contact us at HartfordAGO@gmail.com