M. P. Möller Opus M-6453, First Dutch Reformed Church, Kingston, NY.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is pleased to offer several scholarship opportunities to people who wish to pursue study of the organ.
An informative flyer is also available. Please print one for a young pianist who you may know!
Purpose: The scholarships offered are intended to recognize and encourage those interested in pursuing the study of the organ (young and old) by providing financial assistance in the following ways:
● Tuition for a Pipe Organ Encounter or other AGO-sponsored educational program (under 30)
● Modest stipends to assist in the cost of organ lessons or attendance at workshops and conferences.
● Study materials and supplies, including organ shoes, for qualified applicants
Additional needs may be addressed at the discretion of the board.
If you are interested in applying for one of our scholarship, please complete the submission form below.
Scholarship Application Form
Casavant Frères Opus 3780, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie, NY.
CHVAGO Quarterly Evaluation Form
Students receiving scholarship funds must receive an evaluation by their instructor at the conclusion of ten (10) lessons OR every three (3) months in order to continue participation in the scholarship program.
Interested in applying for one of our scholarships? Please complete the submission form below.
Note: Following submission, first-tine applicants for a scholarship will receive an email with instructions on how to upload required recording of a piece representative of your current level of playing / singing (with clear announcement of title and composer).
Click the front page to access the full packet.
CHVAGO Organ Scholarship Application
The Central Hudson Valley chapter of the American Guild of Organists has had a scholarship program in place since 2003. It was established at that time in memory of chapter member Margaret Pecoraro, who died in November 2002. Margaret is remembered as an exacting teacher who was both encouraging and compassionate.
In 2020, our chapter lost another treasured member, Alice M. Cann. A lifelong organist even after losing her sight, Alice was a strong promoter of support for young organists. We were surprised and humbled to find that she had made a very generous bequest to our chapter, to be used for educational purposes. For this reason, and because the original fund was running low, we decided to create the Alice M. Cann Memorial Scholarship.
The purpose of the scholarship program is to recognize and encourage upcoming organists by providing financial assistance. Modest subsidies may be given for any of the following:
- Organ lessons, to be taught by members of the Central Hudson Hudson Valley, or by designated representatives as determined by the board.
- Membership dues in the American Guild of Organists, if the recipient is not already a member.
- Study materials and supplies, including organ shoes.
- Tuition for a Pipe Organ Encounter or other AGO-sponsored educational program.
- Attendance at workshops and conferences.
- In some cases, assistance may be provided in obtaining a suitable home practice instrument.
Scholarship applicants should be able to demonstrate a desire to improve musical skills through a commitment to regular practice. You must have access to a suitable organ for practice purposes. The minimum requirements for an instrument include two manuals of 61 keys each and a pedal board of 30 keys.
Prospective scholarship applicants should fill out this form in its entirety and submit any supplemental information to chvagoboard@gmail.com.
CHVAGO Scholarship Teacher Recommendation
Applicants are required to have their current teacher (if applicable) submit a recommendation to be considered for scholarship funds.