Piano and Instrumental Skills Grant

        The purpose of this grant is:

• To encourage professional development among pastoral musicians in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the surrounding dioceses.
• To elevate the quality of liturgical music by encouraging musicians of any level to further develop their talents.
• To inspire people already excelling in another area of music ministry to develop talents on a new instrument.
• To increase the number of well qualified liturgical musicians by encouraging highly skilled musicians from other fields of music to study sacred music.

        Applicants for this grant should be:

• A member of (or sponsored by a member of) the Association of Church Musicians in Philadelphia or the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Preference will be given to applicants who are members of both organizations.
• An active pastoral musician or should demonstrate a desire to become an active pastoral musician.
• Prepared to interview and audition on their selected instrument. The audition will include:
  • Playing a hymn (piano accompaniment or instrumental descant) set to one of the following hymn tunes:
    • Aurelia
    • Thaxted
    • Nettleton
  • Sight reading one piece of music, which will be provided by the committee
  • Scales in multiple octaves
• At least 16 years of age or have completed two years of high school.

        Funds from this grant can be used toward:

• Tuition for non-matriculated or matriculated study on selected instrument at a college or university.
• Costs associated with private lessons on selected instrument by a teacher approved by ACMP.
• Costs associated with attendance at a workshop or institute approved by ACMP.

        To apply for this grant:

• Complete the online ACMP/NPM PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER GRANTS APPLICATION or Download  and complete ACMP/NPM PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER GRANTS APPLICATION 
• As part of the application, you will be asked to provide an explanation of why you would like to receive this award and how concepts learned will be applied to your current or anticipated role in liturgical music ministry.
• Submit a Letter of Recommendation from your Director of Music. You can upload a recommendation file as part of the online application or you can ask your Director of Music to mail or email the letter on your behalf.

        Please note:

• The amount awarded will depend upon the availability of funds and the chosen area of study.
• People applying for a grant or scholarship do not have to demonstrate monetary need, however, priority will be given to applicants with a proven financial hardship.
• Grant applications will be reviewed quarterly.