SCHOLARSHIPS

Performing Arts Scholarships in NYC

The NYPAA — Empowering the Next Generation of Performing Artists

$4.4M+

Awarded Since 2012

1,100+

Students Supported

15

Years of Giving

At The NYPAA, we believe financial barriers should never stand between an artist and their training. Since our founding, we have awarded over $4.4 million in performing arts scholarships in New York City — supporting more than 1,100 students through M2 Gives, the scholarship initiative of The MusicSquared Foundation Inc. — The NYPAA’s parent organization and the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds this program.

Scholarships Available

Merit-Based

Up to $3,000

Awarded to students demonstrating exceptional talent and potential, as determined through the application and audition process. Partial awards available.

Fee: $15 non-refundable application fee

Need-Based — M2 Gives

Up to $500

Available to students demonstrating financial necessity. Requires tax documents or proof of government financial assistance.

Fee: Waived — no application fee for need-based applicants

Full Scholarship

Full Tuition

Granted by the Academy’s Executive Director. Recipients cover only the registration fee and a $750.00 administrative charge.

Fee: Waived

Who Can Apply?

  • Applicants to the Foundation Program (Fall or Spring intake)
  • Currently enrolled NYPAA Foundation Program students
  • Domestic and international applicants welcome
  • No prior performing arts experience required
  • Scholarship decisions made concurrently with admissions decisions
  • Scholarships apply to Foundation Program tuition only — not room, board, or other expenses

Application Fee: A non-refundable $15.00 fee applies to merit scholarship applications — this goes directly toward supporting other artists in the fund. Need-based applicants: select “Need-Based Grant” in the form below and your fee will be automatically waived.

Applying to the Foundation Program? Submit your scholarship application at the same time as your program application — decisions are made concurrently so there’s no delay in your admissions process. Start your program application →


Apply for a Scholarship

Your talent and dedication could earn you the support you need.

No formal audition tape required — a phone video of you performing is perfectly fine. International applicants welcome.

Scholarship Application

Getting Started

Please complete the following sections to apply for the scholarship. We’ve kept it simple, so you can focus on sharing your passion and talents with us!
Name
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Address

Tell Us About Yourself

(Please share your story in 200 words or less)
(Please describe your goals in 200 words or less)

Showcase Your Talent

Please provide one of the following to help us understand your talents:
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, rtf, Max. file size: 2 MB.
Please attach a letter of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your talent, dedication, and potential in the performing arts.
Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, tiff, gif, Max. file size: 5 MB.
Please include a current headshot. If you don’t have one, a professional-looking selfie will work just fine.