Overview
The deadline for Spring Term Applications is January 10th.
As part of The Center for Irish Music’s mission as a non-profit community music school, we make every effort to keep music classes and lessons affordable and easily accessible. Our Financial Aid Program was created specifically for the purpose of assisting individuals and families with demonstrated economic need.
The information below should help to answer most questions regarding our Financial Aid Program. However, for additional information, please contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org or (651) 815-0083.
Eligibility
Any individual may apply for financial aid, although preference may be given to students under the age of 18. Applications must be legibly printed in ink or typewritten and must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Applications received are held for review until the next Financial Aid Committee meeting. A student can begin lessons at the Center while their financial aid application is pending; however, all fees will be charged at the regular class/lesson rate. If multiple family members are applying for aid, an application must be filled out for each student.
Privacy
Every effort is made to protect the privacy of the individual/family applying for financial aid. Upon receiving applications, all personal information is removed and the application itself is given a code number as it is reviewed.
Application Process
All requests for financial aid require 2 pieces of information:
- A completed Financial Aid application form
And ONE of the following:
- A copy of the first two pages of the applicant family's most recent Form 1040 tax return
OR
- Proof of eligibility for school lunch programs
These two pieces of application information can be emailed to us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org, or sent via U.S. mail to 836 Prior Ave North, St. Paul, Suite 400, MN 55104 and must be dated/postmarked by the deadlines listed below. Applications received after the posted deadlines will be held for review at the next Financial Aid Committee meeting. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Students who are awarded financial aid for any term must contact CIM Administration via email before the financial aid application deadline for the following terms to clarify intended enrollment in order to be considered for a continuation of financial aid.
Committee Review Process
The Center for Irish Music’s Board of Directors has designated a Financial Aid Committee that reviews all applications. Awards are made primarily on the basis of need until available funding limits have been reached.
Deadlines for applications for tuition assistance for the 2024-2025 School Year are as follows:
- August 19 (Fall Term)
- January 10 (Spring Term)
- May 15 (for Summer Term or Minnesota Irish Music Weekend)
Notification of Awards/Denials
Notification of a financial aid award/denial will usually be made through an email or letter to the individual or family within two weeks following the Financial Aid Committee meeting. An email or letter detailing the percentage of tuition assistance and terms for paying the remaining balance of the amount owed will be outlined.
Amount of Award
Contingent on available funds, the Center’s Financial Aid Committee can provide between a 15%-40% discount off regular tuition. The remaining balance owed by an individual/family must be paid per the CIM payment plans.
Minnesota Irish Music Weekend Aid:
Financial aid is available to help offset the cost of tuition for the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. These tuition awards cover classes, but do not cover the cost of the concert, ceili, lodging, transportation or meals during the weekend.
Renewals and Reapplication Requirement
All Center for Irish Music financial aid recipients will be required to reapply for consideration on an annual basis, by August 15 of each year. This will involve completion of the application for assistance and a review of the student's progress to date. Awards levels are reviewed and adjusted both by term and annually, based on the volume of applications and changes to family income levels.
Students who are awarded financial aid in the Fall Term must contact CIM administration via email before the financial aid deadline for the following terms to clarify intended enrollment in order to be considered for a continuation of financial aid.
Financial Aid can be renewed as long as the student continues to make diligent efforts in their musical studies. While receiving aid, students are required to attend classes regularly and perform at each CIM recital. Failure to do so will jeopardize renewal of assistance. Failure to make payments on time on the remaining balance owed will also jeopardize future financial aid consideration.
Changes in Financial Aid Policies and Procedures
The Center reserves the right to amend any of its Financial Aid Program policies and procedures at any time through action by its Board of Directors and the Center’s Financial Aid Committee. Changes will be made public on the website and with a letter to the applicant families.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
The Center for Irish Music does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, or or any other status protected by law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies and other school-administrated programs, and admits all registered students to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available through the school.
For additional information, please contact The Center for Irish Music directly at admin@centerforirishmusic.org.