The Empower a Rising Star (EARS) Music Scholarship Program was created to remove financial barriers that prevent talented young people from accessing high-quality music instruction. Since its inception, EARS has provided scholarships to students in grades 4–11 throughout the Mon Valley region, ensuring that cost is never the deciding factor in whether a child can learn an instrument, join an ensemble, or develop their artistic voice. The program covers lesson tuition and, when needed, instrument access, creating a comprehensive support structure that enables students to participate fully and confidently. What began as a simple idea—to make music education accessible to every child who wants to learn—has grown into one of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts’ most impactful initiatives.

EARS is widely recognized as an innovative, community-powered model that blends grassroots fundraising, foundation support, and local partnerships to sustain access to the arts in a region where resources are often limited. In 2024, the program received the President’s Choice Crystal Award from the Washington County Community Foundation, honoring its measurable impact, thoughtful design, and commitment to educational equity. That recognition affirmed what families and educators already knew: EARS is not simply a scholarship fund—it is a life-changing investment in young musicians, strengthening confidence, academic engagement, and long-term opportunity through music.

For just $250, you can sponsor ten (10) music lesson sessions for a student, helping to nurture their talent and open doors to opportunities they might not otherwise have. The program kicked off in October 2024, with sponsorships being accepted on a rolling basis.

Priority will be given to those who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that your generosity reaches those who need it most. Sponsors can also support more than one student, with each additional sponsorship costing $250 per student.

“We are incredibly excited to continue the ‘Empower a Rising Star’ initiative,” said Annette Buffer, President of MVAA. “This program embodies our mission to make music education accessible to all children, regardless of their financial circumstances. By sponsoring a student, you are not just funding lessons but investing in their future, dreams, and potential.”

To sponsor a “rising star” or for more information, fill out our Sponsorship Form, call 724-561-5616, or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.

To apply for an EARS scholarship, call 724-561-5616 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.

Donor Acknowledgements

🎵 Individual Donors

🏢 Corporate / Business Donors

• Community Bank
• American Eagle Better World Foundation
• M&T Bank Charitable Foundation
• Highway Appliance
• The Glades Social Club in memory of Adam “Leaf” Geschwindner

🏛 Civic / Community Organizations

• Brownsville Rotary
• Old Time Fiddlers
• Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services, Inc.

💰 Foundations / Institutional Funders

• Washington County Community Foundation
• Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
• The Pittsburgh Foundation
• Empower a Rising Star (EARS) is supported in part by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council through its Creative Sector Flex Fund grant program.
• Mon Valley Academy for the Arts received funding from Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts.