Scholarship Application

If you are applying for a scholarship as a student (ages 18-19) or as the parent or legal guardian of a student under 18, please complete the questions below. Your responses will remain confidential in accordance with our privacy policy.

General Information

What is the applicant's first name?

What is the applicant's last name?

What are the applicant's pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them, or another set)?

When is the applicant's birthday?

Month

Day

Year

We collect this information to ensure developmentally appropriate instruction.

Continuity of Support

At Once Upon a Voice, we recognize that artistic growth requires stability and consistency. As a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming learning space, we are committed to ensuring that scholarship recipients can continue their education without disruption—even as they grow and transition into new age groups.

Scholarships are awarded for 12 consecutive months from the date of acceptance. They remain valid even if a student ages out of their original service during that time. If a student reaches an age milestone that requires them to transition to a different group lesson or workshop, they must enroll in the appropriate service within 30 days of their birthday to continue receiving their scholarship. The scholarship will automatically transfer to the new service, ensuring uninterrupted access to their education.

Students who turn 19 more than 30 days before submitting their scholarship application are not eligible to apply, as Once Upon a Voice does not offer live instruction beyond age 19. However, students who turn 19 within 30 days prior to their application submission date may still apply. If selected, they may retain their scholarship for up to 12 months, as long as they remain enrolled in an eligible service.

Our goal is to support students as they evolve, providing a stable and nurturing environment where they can grow into their artistry with confidence.

I understand and agree to the policy above.

Health and Safety

At Once Upon a Voice, we prioritize vocal health and provide a supportive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming environment. We welcome speaking and nonspeaking students, including those who use American Sign Language (ASL) or other forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Services are tailored to honor each student’s expressive style and support meaningful engagement, with caregiver collaboration as needed. Our services promote sustainable voice use and creative exploration through early musical development, singing, and songwriting. However, we are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose or treat physical or mental health conditions. We encourage students and families to consult licensed healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, laryngologists, or psychiatrists, for assessment and care. For students in speech or voice therapy, we are happy to collaborate with their speech-language pathologist to support their progress in music.

Students may be unable to participate if any of the following apply at enrollment or during their time with us:

Recent Vocal Surgery: Medical clearance is required. We are happy to coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure a safe return.
Throat Infections: Full recovery from acute conditions such as strep throat or tonsillitis is necessary before resuming participation.
Vocal Health Concerns: Persistent voice issues lasting more than two consecutive weeks require medical attention. These include chronic hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or pain while speaking or singing.
Respiratory Illnesses: Full recovery from conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia is required before participation.
Allergies: Students must wait until acute throat or respiratory symptoms improve.
Post-Dental Procedures: Sufficient healing time after dental work affecting the mouth or jaw is required.
Acid Reflux: Students with unmanaged acid reflux that significantly affects their voice should seek medical management before continuing.
Feeding or Swallowing Challenges: Students who experience discomfort or difficulty with vocalization due to feeding or swallowing disorders, such as dysphagia or frequent aspiration, should consult a healthcare provider before engaging in singing activities.
Sensory Sensitivities: We aim to create a welcoming environment for students with sensory sensitivities. However, those who experience extreme distress from sound, music, or interactive engagement may need additional accommodations. We are happy to discuss options to support participation.
Communication Support Needs: Most of our services involve expressive participation—whether through vocalizing or using an AAC system. Students must have a reliable method of communication that allows the instructor (and peers, when applicable) to understand their responses, preferences, and ideas. Early childhood services (ages 0–5) and songwriting services do not require vocalization for participation, while singing services require students to vocalize in some form, even if the sounds are not words. We welcome students who are nonspeaking; however, real-time interpretation or caregiver support is necessary to help facilitate participation when an AAC system requires assistance. We are committed to providing an accessible learning environment and value partnering with families to ensure each student’s communication needs are fully supported.
Emotional Barriers: Students aged 4-19 who struggle with self-reflection or emotional exploration may need additional support. We are committed to helping students who find this difficult due to trauma or neurodivergence by collaborating on appropriate accommodations.
Discomfort with Feedback: Students unwilling to accept constructive feedback may not benefit from live instruction.
Lack of Commitment: Consistent practice and engagement are essential for success.
Social or Performance Anxiety: We offer accommodations to help students participate meaningfully. If anxiety significantly interferes with engagement, we may recommend seeking professional support before continuing services.
Physical Limitations: Students with acute or chronic conditions affecting the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, or shoulders should consult a medical professional before starting or continuing. We are happy to collaborate with healthcare providers to support progress in music.
Motor Challenges: Significant fine or gross motor skill challenges, such as difficulties with pedaling, may require adaptations we cannot provide.

We will accommodate individual needs whenever possible. If participation is unfeasible, we recommend exploring music therapy for students who still wish to sing, write songs, or play the piano. The American Music Therapy Association offers resources to help families find a qualified music therapist.

We take every precaution to provide a safe and beneficial learning environment, but no activity is entirely risk-free. By enrolling in our services, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of participation, including the possibility of vocal fatigue. Students and families assume full responsibility for their participation. Once Upon a Voice does not accept liability for injuries, vocal strain, or other health-related concerns that arise from participation. In jurisdictions that limit liability disclaimers, our liability will be restricted to the fullest extent allowed by law.

I understand and agree to the policy above.

Preferences

If a scholarship for the chosen service is unavailable, would the applicant like to be considered for other available scholarships?

If the applicant would like to rank his/her/their other options, please place them in order of preference below.

Focus Area

At Once Upon a Voice, we believe that high-quality music education should be accessible, intentional, and deeply supportive of each student’s needs. Our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach prioritizes clarity, consistency, and the honoring of each student’s voice—especially for those receiving scholarships designed to remove financial barriers to growth.

To preserve the integrity and impact of our scholarship program, the following instructional focus policy applies:

Private Lesson Scholarship Applicants

Students who receive a full scholarship must spend at least 70% of their private lesson time in the specialty for which the scholarship was awarded—either singing or songwriting. The remaining 30% (equivalent to about one lesson per month) may be used to explore the other area, recognizing that occasional cross-disciplinary experiences can enrich creativity and overall artistic development.

This structure allows for exploration while ensuring that scholarship funding remains aligned with its intended purpose.

Workshop Scholarship Applicants

Students who receive a partial scholarship for weekly workshops must remain in the workshop track for which they were awarded funding—either the Singing Workshop or the Songwriting Workshop. Placement is based on program capacity, student readiness, and the area of interest indicated in the application process.

If a student wishes to switch specialties, a new application must be submitted and will be considered based on availability within the desired track.

This policy supports both student growth and long-term program sustainability—ensuring that our support remains equitable, transparent, and rooted in the values that shape our studio.

Note on Early Childhood Students

This policy applies only to scholarship applicants ages 6 and up. Students ages 0 to 5 do not select a specialty and instead participate in exploratory music lessons designed to build foundational skills in both singing and songwriting through play-based, age-appropriate experiences.

I understand and agree to the policy above.

Service Availability

At Once Upon a Voice, we are committed to providing a structured yet flexible learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs of our students. As a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming space, we recognize the importance of clear scheduling to ensure accessibility and consistency.

Due to the virtual nature of our services, all lesson and workshop times are listed in Pacific Standard Time (PST). To support families across different time zones, Central Standard Time (CST) and Eastern Standard Time (EST) conversions are also provided.

Before applying for a scholarship, please verify your or your child’s availability during the designated private lesson windows or scheduled group lessons and weekly workshops.

Private Lesson Availability

Private lessons are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Please book within the appropriate time window for your child’s age group. If a student is booked outside their designated slot, the lesson may need to be rescheduled to maintain availability across all families.

Ages 6–7 (30-minute lessons):
- Sundays at 9:20 AM PST | 11:20 AM CST | 12:20 PM EST
- Sundays at 12:45 PM PST | 2:45 PM CST | 3:45 PM EST
- Sundays at 5:15 PM PST | 7:15 PM CST | 8:15 PM EST
Ages 8–12 (45-minute lessons):
- Saturday at 4:00 PM PST | 6:00 PM CST | 7:00 PM EST
- Sunday at 10:00 AM PST | 12:00 PM CST | 1:00 PM EST
- Sunday at 1:25 PM PST | 3:25 PM CST | 4:25 PM EST
Ages 13–19 (60-minute lessons):
- Saturday at 5:00 PM PST | 7:00 PM CST | 8:00 PM EST
- Sunday at 11:00 AM PST | 1:00 PM CST | 2:00 PM EST
- Sunday at 2:20 PM PST | 4:20 PM CST | 5:20 PM EST

Group Lessons & Weekly Workshops

Group lessons and weekly workshops will take place on the set days and times below. Please confirm your availability before applying.

0 to 11 Months Old: Music Lesson – Sundays, 7:45 AM – 8:00 AM PST | 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM CST | 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM EST
1 to 3 Years Old: Music Lesson – Sundays, 8:15 AM – 8:35 AM PST | 10:15 AM – 10:35 AM CST | 11:15 AM – 11:35 AM EST
4 or 5 Years Old: Music Lesson – Sundays, 8:45 AM – 9:10 AM PST | 10:45 AM – 11:10 AM CST | 11:45 AM – 12:10 PM EST
6 or 7 Years Old: Singing Workshop – Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM CST | 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM EST
6 or 7 Years Old: Songwriting Workshop – Saturdays, 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM PST | 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM CST | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM EST
8 to 12 Years Old: Singing Workshop – Saturdays, 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM PST | 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM CST | 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM EST
8 to 12 Years Old: Songwriting Workshop – Saturdays, 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM PST | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM CST | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM EST
13 to 19 Years Old: Singing Workshop – Saturdays, 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM PST | 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM CST | 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM EST
13 to 19 Years Old: Songwriting Workshop – Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PST | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST

Parental Attendance Requirement for Young Students

For students under the age of 8, a caregiver must attend all group lessons, private lessons, or weekly workshops with their child. These sessions are designed to be interactive and supportive, ensuring young learners receive the necessary encouragement to engage fully and joyfully in each experience.

Final Confirmation

We strive to maintain an accessible and inclusive learning environment that supports the growth of every student. Please confirm your or your child’s availability before applying for a scholarship to ensure consistent participation in the chosen lessons or workshops.

I understand and confirm my or my child's availability for the selected service(s).

Current Students

Technology Requirements

To participate in our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming services, all students must have a stable internet connection, a quiet, distraction-free learning environment, and a desktop or laptop computer compatible with Muzie and either BandLab or Ableton Live.

Students are expected to have the equipment required for their current level of instruction, as well as any tools introduced at earlier levels—unless they are not yet developmentally ready. Because students progress at different rates, we encourage families to review our curriculum guide or contact us before making any new purchases. We are always happy to help you determine which tools best support your student’s current goals and learning needs.

Beginner Level (Ages 6 and Older)

Students working at the beginner level must have:

A MIDI keyboard with at least 61 keys
A MIDI-to-USB cable
A free BandLab account for beat-making and loop-based arranging or songwriting

While not required, we recommend a keyboard stand, bench, and headphones to support at-home practice. At this level, students do not record independently but follow along with guided activities that build foundational production skills. Caregivers are asked to assist during these sessions.

Intermediate Level (Ages 8 and Older)

Students working at the intermediate level must have:

Closed-back headphones (with a 1/4-inch adapter if needed)
A microphone that connects to their computer
A damper pedal for their MIDI keyboard
A BandLab Premium subscription, which unlocks essential tools for layering audio, creating harmonies, and completing production-based assignments

Singers must use a USB or XLR microphone capable of clearly capturing their full vocal range. Songwriters may use any microphone that reliably captures their speaking voice; nonspeaking students are not required to use a microphone.

Recommended additions include a condenser microphone with an XLR cable, a USB audio interface, an adjustable mic stand with a pop filter, and acoustic treatment or a recording shield to improve vocal quality and technical accuracy.

BandLab Premium is required because BandLab for Education is only available to schools with verified .edu email addresses. Since Once Upon a Voice is not a traditional school, our students must use the standard platform. BandLab Premium does not need to be continued after a student transitions to Ableton Live Intro or higher, unless they wish to maintain access for additional creative use.

Advanced Level (Ages 13 and Older)

Students working at the advanced level must have:

Ableton Live Intro – required for ages 13–15 or for students ready to explore producing techniques that BandLab Premium cannot fully support
Ableton Live Standard – required for ages 16–17 or for students ready for more advanced producing techniques such as synthesis, signal routing, and detailed waveform editing
Ableton Live Suite – required for ages 18–19 or for students ready to engage in professional-level producing work

Recommended to support advanced exploration:

Studio monitors or open-back headphones for accurate playback
External or cloud-based storage for managing large multitrack sessions

A 50% educational discount is available for K–12 and college students purchasing a new license of Ableton Live Intro, Standard, or Suite. However, this discount does not apply to upgrades between versions. If a student begins with a lower-tier license (such as Intro), future upgrades (to Standard or Suite) must be purchased at the standard upgrade price. For students who may advance quickly, we recommend choosing the version that best supports both their current needs and projected growth.

Financial Support

If cost is a concern, families may apply for a scholarship. All applications are reviewed based on household size and income, and we automatically factor in the estimated cost of required supplies—such as software, gear, and accessibility tools—when determining eligibility. Families must submit a scholarship application to be considered for financial assistance.

Our nonprofit partner, Voicelore, is working to expand Once Upon a Voice’s scholarship program to include additional support for music equipment and software in the future. Although Voicelore is not yet accepting donations, this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of financial circumstance—can fully participate in their instruction, projects, and performances with confidence and creativity.

Agreement

By agreeing to this policy, the student, parent, or guardian confirms that the necessary resources are already available or will be obtained within 30 days of enrollment. If additional time or support is needed, please contact us—we are here to help.

I understand and confirm that I or my child will have the needed resources within 30 days of enrollment, if a scholarship is received.

Nail Length

At Once Upon a Voice, all students ages 6–19 are expected to develop piano proficiency on the MIDI keyboard as part of their musical instruction, regardless of their primary focus. To support safe, effective technique, students must keep their nails short enough to allow proper hand position, comfort, and dexterity when playing.

Students’ nails may extend slightly beyond the fingertip but must not exceed approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) past the fingertip. Nails longer than this interfere with safe playing technique and may lead to discomfort, tension, or injury.

If a student arrives at a session with nails that exceed this limit and cannot play comfortably or safely, we will ask them to trim or file them before the next session. If nail length continues to interfere with progress, we will meet with the student and their parent or guardian, if the student is under 18, to discuss whether our services remain the right fit at this time.

In keeping with our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach, we respect that students may have personal, cultural, sensory, or medical reasons for maintaining longer nails. However, participation in live services requires adherence to physical and technical standards necessary for safe and successful MIDI keyboard training. We are committed to supporting each student’s growth with care, respect, and clear expectations that foster musical success while honoring individual needs.

I understand and agree to the policy above.

Finances

What is the applicant's household size?

Household size includes parents, guardians, and dependents living at the same address. Children under 18 are always counted as part of their parents’ or guardians’ household, even if they have a job. Anyone 18 or 19 is included in their parents’ or guardians’ household if they are still claimed as dependents on tax returns. If they are financially independent, they may apply based on their income.

What is the applicant's household income?

For children of separated or divorced parents or guardians, eligibility is determined based on the financial support of the parent or guardian who provides most of their care. Families with joint custody may submit financial information for both households.

Please describe any extenuating circumstances affecting the applicant’s finances that support their scholarship application.

Provide proof of household size, which may be included in tax documents or verified through a lease, utility bill, or benefits letter. If none of these are available, you may submit a brief written statement explaining your household situation.

Add up to 5 files.

Provide proof of income. We accept tax returns, pay stubs, and government assistance letters. If these do not fully reflect your situation, you may submit an explanation with any supporting documents you have. We strive to ensure a fair review for all.

Add up to 5 files.

Personal Statement

Attach a written, audio, or video statement explaining how our scholarship would benefit the applicant. Limit the submission to 5,000 characters or 5 minutes.

Add 1 file only.

Audition Video

If the applicant wishes to be considered for a full scholarship, which covers the cost of private lessons for students aged six and older, please submit an audition video showcasing their musical abilities. Videos must be no longer than 5 minutes.

Add 1 file only.