The Harvard Department of Music, being first and foremost an academic department, does not offer private instruction as would be found at other conservatories or schools of music. Students wishing to pursue private lessons during their time at Harvard are encouraged to research external options, drawing from the large pool of private instructors in the greater Boston area. Students schedule lessons directly with their teachers and are responsible for handling all payments. The OFA’s online Music Teacher Reference Guide provides a listing of local music instructors who teach, have taught, or are interested in teaching undergraduate students. This listing is a resource only. Students may choose to pursue lessons with other instructors.
The Music Lesson Subsidy Program is administered by the Office for the Arts to support instrumental and vocal instruction to qualified, full-time, enrolled Harvard College undergraduates currently receiving some financial aid. It is intended for students who, without financial help, could not make a sustained commitment to taking music lessons. This program is not for beginning musicians. New applicants must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency and/or potential, as evidenced by their musical activities. Returning applicants who have been awarded subsidies in past academic years will have their financial aid status reviewed prior to any subsidy determination for the new academic year.
Please note:
- Students enrolled in the Harvard-NEC or Harvard-Berklee dual programs of study are ineligible for MLSP funding.
- Funding requests for composition lessons will not be considered.
- Subsidies are not applicable for lessons with members of the Parker Quartet.
Applicants who are Music Concentrators:
Special funding from the Department of Music will now be awarded to music concentrators beginning in the fall semester of the sophomore year. The aid package and administration of the program is the same as the Office for the Arts’ Music Lesson Subsidy Program awards. Smaller subsidies for those students not on financial aid are also available.
Applicants who are Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra members:
Special funding is available to active members of the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra (HRO). The aid package and administration of the program is the same as the Music Lesson Subsidy Program awards. Smaller subsidies for those students not on financial aid are also available.
Applicants who are Harvard Choruses members:
If you are an undergraduate receiving financial aid from the College, you are eligible for funding through the Music Lesson Subsidy Program and the Holden Voice Program
Please note:
The Music Lesson Subsidy Program is not availble to students enrolled in the Harvard-NEC or Harvard-Berklee joint programs of study. Funding for composition lessons will not be considered. Subsidies are not available for lessons with members of the Parker Quartet.
Questions? Contact Stephanie Troisi, OFA Student Services Coordinator for general questions or any requests to submit an application post deadline.