We’re here to help! ARS Scholarships and Grants

One of the many benefits of being a member of the ARS is the availability of grants and scholarships. Made possible through the generous donations of our members, plus special funds earmarked over the years for these types of support, these sources of funding are for self-improvement and for reaching more recorder players in the communities around us.
 
Scholarships
Scholarships for weekend and weeklong workshops make it possible for recorder players of all ages to study with a variety of teachers and to meet others with similar interests. The summer workshop season is upon us, and the deadline for scholarship applications is May 15. Decisions to award scholarships are not made based on financial need, though that may be taken into consideration if that information is provided. Applications for weekend workshops may be submitted at any time throughout the year with a deadline of four weeks prior to the workshop. For both types of scholarships, the committee looks for individuals who can take knowledge learned at a workshop back to their own communities, sharing it with others.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grants 
Several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Grants have already proven effective by making the music of underrepresented composers and cultures more prominent. Any chapter, recorder orchestra, consort, Partner Workshop, or Business Member may apply for an award of up to $500. Previous grants have included bringing music of First Nations Indigenous Peoples to a workshop for young players and helping fund a composition by an African American composer to enrich the available recorder literature.

If you aren’t sure how to formulate a DEI project, the ARS’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will be happy to provide some guidance (contact Jamie Allen).  Applications are accepted any time throughout the year.
 
Traveling Teacher Program
The Traveling Teacher Program is another grant opportunity for chapters or other groups that are located in areas without nearby recorder teachers. The ARS can provide grants up to $1600 to cover the cost of a teacher’s travel for three to four visits.   

The ARS is thrilled to have chapters all over the continent, but we realize that not every locale is lucky enough to have even one professional recorder teacher. The local group will cover the teacher’s stipend and guarantee at least 10 hours of teaching or coaching during each visit; the ARS will cover the travel—an expense that could be prohibitive in many cases. Applications have been extended to May 15 this year. For more details, especially a list of participating teachers, visit the TTP webpage.

Chapter and Recorder Orchestra Grants
The ARS is always working to expand membership. Grants are available to Chapters and Recorder Orchestras (with at least 10 ARS members) to develop programs to supplement membership-enhancing programs.  Awards up to $500 are available. Deadline to apply is May 15.

Educational Outreach Grants  
How did you start playing recorder? Did you first learn about the instrument as a student in elementary school?  Did you participate in a continuing education class as an adult? Now maybe it’s YOUR turn to educate more people about the recorder.  Educational Outreach Grants are available to K-12 teachers and educators to create or strengthen recorder programs in schools or to attend recorder workshops to improve their own teaching strategies.

Projects aimed at teaching recorder players who are not in a K-12 school may also be considered.  The awards can be up to $500, with applications accepted May 1–June 15 each year. Applicants do not need to be a member of the ARS.

Professional Development Grant
Professional recorder players may apply for a Professional Development Grant of up to $600. Many recipients use this grant to support a four- to six-week residency at the Sitka Center on the Oregon coast. Other projects may also be considered. Applications are due by September 15 of the year preceding the proposed residency or project.

The ARS is an organization that provides support for recorder players of all ages and ability levels.  For more detailed information about scholarships and grants, visit the ARS website at americanrecorder.org/scholarships.  If you have questions or need guidance, contact Jody Miller, Chair of the Scholarships & Grants Committee, or contact the ARS office.