New students looking for private lessons will need to contact the Academy to be matched with a private instructor. Students who would like to try out a single sample lesson can contact us (816-235-2741) to be personally matched with an instructor.

Private Lessons Tuition

The Academy charges an annual $100.00 registration fee for private lessons. The registration fee is divided between semesters ($40.00 for Fall and Spring, and $20.00 for Summer) so that if a student takes a semester off or starts late in the semester they do not have to pay the entire annual amount.

Students starting mid-semester will receive prorated tuition. 

Semester lengths and dates

• Fall semester - 16 weeks
  • Aug 18 - Dec 14
• Spring semester - 16 weeks
  • Jan 19 - May 17
• Summer semester - 9 weeks
  • June 1 - Jul 26

Financial Aid

Academy scholarships

• Rose Bruening Dunn Performance Scholarship – for one or more outstanding pre-collegiate piano students (age 18 or younger).
• H. Lynn and Emily White Scholarship in Pre-Collegiate Music Performance – for an outstanding pre-collegiate instrumental performer with the demonstrated potential and promise for a career in music (age 18 or younger).
• Dorothy Zimmer Scholarship – for one or more outstanding performers or composers age 18 or younger.
• Noah Matthew Siegel Academy Scholarship in Piano Performance – for piano applicants between the ages of 10-18. This scholarship is renewable annually contingent upon active participation in local performance and competitive opportunities, and continued exceptional progress as judged by the Piano Faculty and Academy Director.

Scholarship auditions

Scholarship auditions for the 2025-2026 school year will take place on May 10.

The Academy offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding musicians selected by audition. Current Academy students, as well as prospective Academy students, are eligible to audition for scholarships. Awards are applied directly to tuition at the Academy for private lessons or music classes for the following school year.

Scholarship applications

Applications are due by April 15.

Students must be nominated by a music teacher (Academy instructor, private instructor, band/orchestra director, etc.).

UMKC faculty/staff/student discount

Employees and current students of UMKC are eligible for a 10% discount on private lessons (not applicable for group classes or events).

UMKC Alumni Discount

Alumni of UMKC are eligible for a 5% discount on private lessons (not applicable for group classes or events)

Contact Us

For more information on scholarships, how to apply, or to request an application form, please contact the Academy office by phone at (816) 235-2741 or email us.