Scholarships

Lake Tahoe Music Camp is a week-long opportunity for student musicians to participate in private lessons, rehearsals, clinics and performances. For more information, visit the LTMC page.

One winner will receive a scholarship of $435, which covers half of the tuition (half being $395) and one $40 private lesson. We are offering this scholarship to any student with a sincere interest in music. Eligible students must currently be in the 7th-12th grade (2025-2026 school year). The recipients will perform for the SAI sisters at a Reno Alumnae Chapter meeting in the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarship winners will also write a thank you letter and testimonial to be sent to our generous donors.

Sigma Alpha Iota is an international group of professional, musical women who “encourage, nurture, and support the art of music.” Eta Omicron is the collegiate chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno. The Reno Alumnae are adult members who continue to pursue the ideals of SAI after college. These chapters support the community through scholarships, service projects and volunteering

1. Request a letter of recommendation from your current music teacher. As a professional courtesy, we ask that you give your teacher at least one week of notice before the letter is due. See instructions for teachers below.
2. Write an essay using the prompts below, then submit it as an attachment to your email.
   • Introduction: Introduce yourself by telling us your name, grade level, school, primary and secondary instruments, current and planned music classes, and any extra-curricular music activities.
   • Body paragraphs: Writing one paragraph for each, answer the following questions:
     •  How do you plan to use what you learn at Lake Tahoe Music Camp to improve your musicianship and how will you share what you learn with your musical community?
     • How would receiving this scholarship impact you and your family?
     • How do you inspire and encourage your class, section or other musical community? How do you define a valuable member or an ensemble and how do you fit that role?
   • Conclusion: Complete your essay by describing why you think you are the best candidate to receive this scholarship.

Submit your application to sairenoalum@gmail.com by Friday, February 13, 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. We will send a confirmation email when your application has been successfully received. You will be notified by Friday, March 13, 2026, as to the result of your application. Please refer to the attached exemplars when writing your email and remember to use proper grammar and spelling. Professionalism will be considered on the evaluation rubric.

Letter of recommendation - Instructions for teachers

Thank you for supporting your student by writing a letter of recommendation. Please include the full name of the student in the letter and send it to the scholarship committee at sairenoalum@gmail.com by Friday, February 13, 2026. Please include an honest review of the student’s dedication to their musicianship, school community and personal growth.