Grants for Music Teachers

Grant Details:

Salida Aspen Concerts will award 2026 Teacher Grants to the first 10 eligible K–12 music teachers who submit complete applications beginning March 9, 2026, and meet all grant qualifications.

A total of $2,000 has been allocated for the 2026 grant cycle. Individual award amounts will be determined based on the number of qualified applicants and the availability of additional funding. Awards are anticipated to be approximately $200 per teacher.

Each grant is awarded for use within the 2026 calendar year. This timeframe reflects the academic realities of K–12 music educators, many of whom teach on a semester basis and do not have instructional responsibilities during the summer months.



These grants are intended to support classroom instruction, enhance student learning, and expand access to meaningful music education experiences for youth in our community.

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds:

Teacher Grant funds may be used at the teacher’s reasonable discretion for one or more of the following purposes:

• Purchase music or sheet music for distribution to the teacher’s music students to support classroom or ensemble learning.
• Reduce the cost of private or group music lessons for one or more students studying with the teacher. Salida Aspen Concerts recommends that students and families contribute at least a minimal portion of the lesson cost to encourage shared investment and commitment.
• Provide additional lessons, coaching, or tutoring for students preparing for competitions, auditions, or upcoming performances.
• Support enriching musical experiences, such as opportunities for students to attend concerts, masterclasses, workshops, or other music-related educational activities related to their instrument or voice.
• Assist with basic instrument upkeep and supplies, including items such as reeds, drumsticks, valve oil, pitch pipes, and similar essential materials.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered eligible for a Teacher Grant from Salida Aspen Concerts, applicants must meet the following criteria:



• Be a music teacher serving students in the local community.
• Provide a description of how students are recruited or engaged (for example, advertising materials, school partnerships, studio promotion, or other outreach methods).
• Reside within or serve students in the Salida, Buena Vista, Cotopaxi, or Custer County school district boundaries.
• Maintain any required city or county licenses applicable to their teaching activities.
• Submit a completed annual grant report to Salida Aspen Concerts by the deadline indicated in the grant guidelines.

Eligibility for Returning Applicants

Teachers who have received a grant in previous years are eligible to apply again. Grants will continue to be awarded on a first-come, first-granted basis, provided that previous recipients have fully complied with all requirements associated with earlier grants, including reporting obligations.

Teachers who receive a grant from Salida Aspen Concerts are required to submit an Annual Grant Report to the SAC Board no later than December 31 of the grant year.

The report should include a summary of how the grant funds were used and documentation supporting the expenditures (such as receipts for purchases made with grant funds). This reporting helps ensure accountability and allows Salida Aspen Concerts to evaluate the impact of the Teacher Grant Program.

Information provided in grant reports may also be used by Salida Aspen Concerts for publicity and program impact purposes. However, the names or identifying information of students or teachers will not be disclosed without their prior consent.