Notes of Hope Scholarships
Musical Bridges strives to provide music therapy for all, regardless of their ability to pay.
“Notes of Hope” Music Therapy Scholarship Program
The Notes of Hope program provides partial scholarships of up to $4,000 a year for individuals in Middle Tennessee who cannot afford the cost of music therapy, enabling recipients to attend weekly 60-minute therapy sessions with Musical Bridges. Awards are need-based, and every recipient contributes toward the cost of their sessions. The application process is designed to be simple and accessible, ensuring equity and inclusivity for all eligible families.
Who does not qualify? Scholarship opportunities are not available for those currently receiving financial assistance through a Katie Beckett waiver or an IEA grant. If you have private insurance that reimburses music therapy, or other grants or benefits, you can still apply — disclose them on your application, since available outside funding is weighed during review.
Who can apply? If you require financial assistance, we encourage you to apply. Applicants for the Notes of Hope program must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure the scholarships benefit those with the greatest need. Each scholarship award is determined on a case-by-case basis after an interview and financial review, reflecting the generous contributions of our community and the availability of donated funds.
Must have at least one clinically diagnosed condition that benefits from established music therapy science
Must have transportation to a Musical Bridges location (Brentwood, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro)
Applicants must demonstrate financial need or hardship, as determined by available financial information
When to apply: Applications are accepted in two cycles each year.
For a January start: apply October 1–November 15. Interviews are held October 15–December 10, decisions go out by December 18, and the award runs January 1–December 31.
For a July start: apply April 1–May 15. Interviews are held April 15–June 10, decisions go out by June 18, and the award runs July 1–June 30.
Applications received outside these windows are held for the next cycle. Interviews begin as soon as an application is complete, but awards are decided once the whole pool has been reviewed.
Application Process:
During an open application window, start by filling out the application form.
Include a copy of your IRS 1040 from the previous year, which should be e-mailed to scholarships@musicalbridges.com.
An interview will be scheduled to discuss your application and determine the appropriate scholarship tier.
You will receive a written decision by that cycle’s decision date. If you are offered a scholarship, you have seven days to accept it.
Selection Process: The selection process is designed to fairly and effectively allocate resources to those most in need. If applicants pass the initial screening phase for eligibility, they will move onto the scoring phase and will be evaluated and scored using a weighted system that considers financial need, the number of clinical diagnoses, and the strength of a personal statement detailing the applicant’s need for therapy.
Participation Expectations:
As participants of the Notes for Hope program, recipients are expected to help raise awareness about Musical Bridges. This can include sharing posts on social media, attending fundraising events, or volunteering.
Recipients are required to contribute a modest co-pay based on a sliding scale, ranging from 10% to 50% of the standard program rates.
Recipients will be required to reapply at least once per year.
Need More Information? If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us at 888-687-2734. Further details will be supplied upon enrollment.