Private Clarinet Lesson Scholarship

Private music lessons shouldn't be just for those who can afford them - but hard-working instructors should also be able to make a living with their time teaching! After experiencing some situations where families can't provide lessons for their kids simply because of cost (and knowing it would be tough for me to afford regular lessons if I had kids at the right age too), I've been thinking about what I can do to help those families so students don't miss out on the educational and personal development they can gain through private lessons. 

The purpose of this campaign is to provide at least one local clarinet student (hopefully more!) with free or greatly reduced tuition lessons through my private studio (run jointly through my home studio and Chanson Voice & Music Academy in Minneapolis) for the 2017-18 school year and/or summer 2018. Being paid my regular fees through this scholarship program will allow me to set aside the same amount of time and preparation for these students as those who pay their fees out-of-pocket without the strain volunteering my time on a regular basis would put on my schedule and income.

Weekly lessons (30, 45, or 60 minutes in length) through my private studio for a full year cost between $1,008-2,604 per student. My hourly rates are competitive with other private instructors of my education and experience level in the Twin Cities (Master's Degree in Clarinet Performance, and over 8 years working full-time as a clarinetist and music educator). There will be a simple application process for interested students, and 50-100% of their lesson fees for 2017-18 will be covered by scholarship, depending on financial need and availability of funds.

I would like to raise a minimum of $1,500 to cover student lesson tuition and Go Fund Me fees. More would be even better, so I can provide free or reduced cost lessons to more local clarinet students! I will need an approximate number for funds available by July 2017 so I can make appropriate decisions through the application process. If this campaign and lesson program are successful, I will make it an annual program through my private studio.

For every $500 pledged to the scholarship fund, I will donate one hour of free clinic time to the school band program of a scholarship recipient!

Recent accomplishments by my current students include:

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies
Minnesota Junior Winds
MMEA All State Bands
University of Minnesota High School Honor Band
Minnesota Band Directors' Association Honor Bands
Best in Site Awards at Solo & Ensemble Contests
Hartt School of Music Master's Program Fellowship
University of Minnesota School of Music Scholarship
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Concerto Winner
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Music Scholarship

Please visit my website, sarahporwoll-lee.com, for more information on my background and lessons!