Vera Piano Scholarship

Music Lesson and Classes

Gifted Music School is grateful to have received a generous grant from Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe. Please read the scholarship description to ascertain eligibility. To apply, please submit this form and supporting documentation electronically to scholarships@giftedmusicschool.org.

Applicants may be asked to submit a piano performance video and/or come to a live audition.

General Information

Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe, Co-founder of the Gifted Music School, has generously offered to grant a scholarship award to select serious and dedicated GMS piano students for their weekly private lessons. The scholarship will cover tuition for lessons with Dr. Watanabe, during the academic year between September-May. The scholarship is renewable annually, contingent on the recipients meeting the specifications for renewal as outlined below.

Vera Piano Scholarship at Gifted Music School

Scholarship Details

The Vera Piano Scholarship covers tuition costs of a weekly 1-hour lesson with Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe between September-May of a given academic year. At the discretion of the scholarship committee, the scholarship also may be awarded to a current student to add a second lesson every week, and reduce their current private tuition by 50%.

The scholarship is for study with Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe
The scholarship can be used to add an additional lesson per week if the student is already enrolled in weekly lessons w/Dr. Watanabe.
In certain cases, studying with 2 teachers (if you are already studying with a different primary teacher, and they are supportive of this agreement) could be permitted. This will be considered on a case by case basis.
The scholarship is renewable annually at the end of May. Each renewal request will be reviewed by the scholarship committee and evaluated with the rubric as a reference. Preference will be giving to a student who can have 2 lessons per week, as that allows for a more serious training.

Qualifications and Rubric

A. Studying piano is the primary focus of study for the student. Piano will take precedence over other activities.
B. Minimum 4h of daily practicing is required. Strongest applicants will demonstrate a level of playing that will reflect and/or suggest this level of consistent work for an appreciable period of time.
C. Achievements already in evidence that would suggest a path to a possible performance career in piano.
D. Students who have a demonstrated history of working these hours will be given higher consideration for this award.
E. The ability to fix issues mentioned in lesson comments, demonstrate a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and try new ideas, and to be consistently prepared for each lesson is a prerequisite.
F. Consistent work ethic that will allow the student to learn, assimilate, and memorize repertoire quickly.
G. Every year, learn, memorize, and perform a program consisting of:
1. Baroque piece (Prelude & Fugue at a minimum)
2. Entire classical Sonata (three or four movements, depending on the Sonata)
3. Romantic work
4. Chopin Etude
5. Any Etude by another composer
6. Impressionistic or contemporary work
7. Entire Concerto (or one movement, depending on the age of the student)
H. Punctuality: come to lessons on time.
I. Be available to receive lessons at the hours the lessons are available.
J. Student/parents are expected to have a respectful attitude toward the teacher, and be supportive of studio classmates.
K. Parent/guardian is required to be present at lessons, to take thorough notes of comments.

Application Process

Complete the Vera Piano Scholarship Application
Prepare the supporting documentation:
- A personal statement describing the following:
  1. How you meet each of the selection criteria (address each point)
  2. Explain your musical background, including past teachers, and what your long-term career goals are
  3. What your previous experience at GMS has meant to you (if applicable)
  The personal statement should consist of several paragraphs. This is an opportunity to let the scholarship committee get to know you and the impact this award might have on you.
- Please attach a recommendation letter from a current or past teacher.
- Please also include a separate list of accomplishments in piano, music, or any other area that you’d like to highlight to the scholarship committee.
E-mail your completed application form and supporting documentation to scholarships@giftedmusicschool.org.

Our school’s mission is to help as many students as posisble experience the joy of musc, regardless of financial constraints. We offer several need- based and merit-based scholarships. We would love to have you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for lessons and classes?

Signing up for lessons and classes is easy! Go to our new student registration page and fill out the form. You can choose from a variety of programs based on your interests and skill level. We will be in touch with you shortly after the form is completed. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right program for you or your child.

What are the major programs at the school?

We offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students at every level of their musical journey:

Conservatory: For serious students who gain admission through audition. Once admitted, students receive a full scholarship for all their classes.
Preparatory: High-level tuition-based lessons and classes open to students of all ages from the general community. Scholarships are available to help support aspiring musicians.
GRIT Program: Our comprehensive outreach program in Title I schools, bringing high-quality music education to underserved communities.
Young Composers Academy (YCA): Tuition-based Conservatory classes and opportunities that are available to the general public.
Suzuki Program: A part of the Preparatory Program, focused on string students using the renowned Suzuki method.

Who are the faculty and teachers?

Our school is home to an extraordinary team of faculty members and teachers, all of whom are accomplished musicians and dedicated educators. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to their teaching, ensuring that students receive top-tier musical instruction. You can learn more about each instructor by visiting our faculty page on the website, where you’ll find bios and details about their areas of specialization.

How do I apply to the Conservatory?

To apply to our Conservatory program, students must go through an audition process. This ensures that we select students who are committed to excelling in their musical studies. Information about audition dates and requirements can be found on our Conservatory Admissions page. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, our admissions team is here to help.

How can I support the school?

Your support is vital to the success of our programs and the growth of our students. To make a donation or learn more about the different ways you can contribute, please visit the donate page on our website. Donations go toward scholarships, outreach programs, and other initiatives that make high-quality music education accessible to all.

What Students & Parents Have to Say

I've taken two of my kids here for a Suzuki Toddler Mommy & Me Music class. They do an excellent job! Very talented and knowledgeable instructors, even for the toddler class! It was very beneficial for the kids.

My daughter has loved being apart of GMS. She's had amazing experiences because of it and has grown so much as a musician. We're so grateful she had this opportunity before college.

I have three daughters that have been in the Gifted Music School, two on flute and one with clarinet. The Gifted Music School has helped them each excel as musicians!

We feel lucky to have found GMS two years ago. At first, our kids were just in the children's choir, but we later added voice, violin, and piano lessons. All the teachers are top notch!