Here’s how it works:

Sponsors donate funds to be used for music lesson scholarships that will promote access to music resources and music education in the Salem area.  

• Aspiring students may apply for a music scholarship! The minimum age requirement is 5 years old. There is no upper age limit, teens and adults are welcome to apply.

• Applications for Winter/Spring 2026 will close March 31, 2026.

• Scholarships will be announced on or around the 15th of each month and a final announcement by April 15, 2026

  • Please be advised, given a substantial increase in the number of applications Salem Music Initiative is receiving, we will no longer be awarding full-tuition scholarships.

• By applying for a scholarship from Salem Music Initiative, you are consenting to our sharing your name, contact information, and other identifying information with the music vendor you have selected.

At present, SMI is partnering with RiverCity Rock Star Academy under grants from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, Oregon Community Foundation, the Salem Foundation, and the generosity of private donors with hopes to expand our vendor base soon.

Salem Music Initiative Scholarship Application Information 

• Only completed applications received by the application deadline will be reviewed.

• Applications must include:

  • Application form

  • Proof of income

  • Signature

• Applications may be completed online or mailed.

  • For the online application, please click here.

  • Mailing Address:

    • Salem Music Initiative

      PO Box 3669

      Salem, OR 97302

• By applying for a scholarship from Salem Music Initiative, you are consenting to our sharing your name, contact information, and other identifying information with the music vendor you have selected.

• Notice of scholarship approval or denial will be sent approximately 4 weeks after the application is received.

• If a scholarship is awarded, the applicant will receive an email informing them of the scholarship amount received and payment will be issued directly to the music program.

• Please contact us with any questions, concerns or barriers to completion of this application: info@salemmusicinitiative.org