Financial Aid

SSMF understands that summer festival study is a challenging financial investment for many of our students. We offer several ways to help reduce the burden:

  • Need-based and merit-based scholarships
  • Work Study to reduce tuition cost
  • Scholarship Match Program
  • Paid Summer Internships
  • Payment Assistance via Affirm

Students who would like to be considered for merit-based or need-based awards are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize your financial aid from SSMF. Students are also encouraged to explore funding sources in their own communities and through various organizations, corporations, foundations, and businesses. With our new Scholarship Match Program, SSMF will provide matching awards to help further these outside awards. (see below for more information on the Scholarship Match Program).

The financial aid application is included in the Festival Application. Award amounts vary based upon merit and financial need. There are two types of financial support participants can receive from the Sewanee Summer Music Festival: Work-Study Aid based on need and Merit-based Scholarship.

Students can receive both merit-based scholarship and work study aid to attend Sewanee.

If you do not request work-study aid in your application, you will only be considered for merit-based aid.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Are awarded to any highly qualified participant, based on the quality of your performance application, previous performance experiences, and references. All students are considered for merit-based scholarships. Merit awards are not based on student or family financial need.

We encourage you to complete your application EARLY to be considered for maximum funding.
Work Study Aid

Our Work Study program is based on demonstrated financial need. To be considered for our work study program, you must complete the financial aid portion of the online application. Work study aid will be awarded in the form of reduced tuition with the expectation that the student will work a set number of hours each week in a variety of tasks based on their experience and skills. These positions could include work in the office, front of house, library, or production/stage crew and will not interfere with rehearsals, lessons, performances, masterclasses, or any other scheduled event. Students will not be paid for these hours as their remuneration came in the form of reduced tuition.

Scholarship Match Program

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival recognizes that summer study is both a uniquely rich opportunity for students to develop their musical skills, immerse themselves in music for a precious month, form lifelong friendships and develop their performance skills through weekly chamber and orchestral performances of great repertoire.  We also recognize that participating in a summer festival is a privilege that many simply cannot afford.  

To help address the financial need that prohibits many students from participating in summer festivals, SSMF would like to partner with our students’ school-year organizations to provide up to $100,000 in matching scholarship funds for our 2026 season.  

You may receive up to $2,000 in matching scholarship funds from SSMF for both need- and merit-based awards. Please note, the match program is available only for Instrumental Performance, Composition, and OperaFest students.

To be eligible for the funds, students must complete the SSMF Scholarship Match Form and provide any documentation regarding any confirmed outside funding.  Applications submitted by February 15 will receive priority consideration for scholarship matches and awards will be granted until they are fully allocated. 

Click here for an incomplete list of organizations that could be used for an SSMF Scholarship Match.

Questions or inquiries regarding special application cases may be addressed to ssmfadmissions@sewanee.edu

Internship Program (Paid)

We are pleased to offer a new paid internship program with opportunities in Production Team, Office Assistant, and RA Assistant (must be 21). These positions provide valuable hands-on experience in festival operations while contributing to the success of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Students may indicate their interest in an internship as part of the application process.

Interns will be paid $15/hour of work, with an anticipated 8-12 hours/week of work load.  Duties will not conflict with SSMF participant activities.

To be considered for a Paid Internship at SSMF, you must apply by February 15 and indicate your interest in the Acceptd application.  Applicants should include a recommendation letter appropriate to the position(s) they are applying for.  Resident Life Assistants will be subject to a background check and will require mandatory online training before arrival.  Interviews will begin in late February and successful applicants will be notified by March 15. 

Payment Assistance via Affirm

To help make enrollment more manageable, we offer Affirm as a “buy now, pay later” option for families who need financial flexibility. Instead of paying the full amount up front, you may split your payment into installment plans.

  • Many Affirm options allow interest-free payments over 4 biweekly installments

  • For larger balances, Affirm can offer monthly installment plans, with terms and APRs depending on credit review and purchase amount

  • No hidden fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties — you only pay what was agreed upon in your plan

  • Affirm performs a soft credit check, which typically does not affect your credit score

How to Use It
In order to take advantage of Affirm, applicants will need to reach out to our admissions office to receive further instructions. Once connected, we’ll walk you through the steps to access payment plan options and choose the one that works best for you.

We hope this option makes it easier for you to join us at SSMF without sacrificing your financial comfort.

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