Percussion Scholarship Program

Percussion Scholarship Program

The Percussion Scholarship Program (PSP) offers intensive, weekly percussion instruction on a full scholarship basis to Chicago youth in grades 3-12. Students are selected for the program through a competitive application process that includes a provisional period followed by an invitation to participate through eighth grade. Select students are invited to continue through high school.

The program meets weekly on Saturdays year round, and provides each student with instruments, lesson books and materials at no cost. PSP members also perform as an ensemble twice per year in Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center in addition to giving special concerts throughout each season.

PSP boasts a roster of alumni who have gone on to some of the nation’s finest colleges, universities and conservatories, later assuming notable careers within and outside of music.

Thank you to those who applied for the 2024/25 Percussion Scholarship Program. Application information for 2025/26 will be available in early 2025.


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For Josh Jones, Percussion Scholarship Program was life-changing
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The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Percussion Scholarship Program presented its 24th annual Spring Recital in 2020.
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As a year of hard work by young musicians and educators comes to an end, the CSO's Negaunee Music Institute celebrates their achievements with a virtual showcase.
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From rehearsals with Civic, to CSO concerts, to coachings with CSO members, I have been encouraged to listen, and to listen harder, the last couple of years.
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