Tuition Fees
Studio String students
$225 a year; $25 is non-refundable after August 30th.
For all other student levels:
$275 a year; $25 is non refundable after August 30th.
Tuition may be paid using our flexible payment plan. Contact us to make arrangements.
Tuition fees cover only part of OYO operating expenses such as salaries, music purchase and rental, and concert expenses. For this reason we ask parents and families to volunteer their time and talents to the Orchestra. There are a variety of ways to meet this commitment such as ushering at concerts and helping with publicity. The time commitment for some volunteer jobs is as little as 1 hour a season. Parent’s are required to volunteer atleace once or pay a $50 opt-out fee.
Financial Aid
- OYO provides tuition grants based on financial need. Upon acceptance into one of the OYO orchestras, students may apply for partial or full tuition aid. OYO is committed to helping every student member in need of financial aid. For this reason 100% of students who apply receive some amount of assistance. If you are currently a member, click here to log in and download the tuition assistance application.
- Student members can earn cash awards through Merit Scholarships. These may be used towards the student’s music education.
- Through the OYO Dollars Program, OYO parents and students have the opportunity to earn credits which can be redeemed toward the cost of OYO tuition. Credits are earned by selling Program Ads in the Oakland Youth Orchestra’s yearly concert program. OYO families receive credits worth 25% of the selling price of each program ad. With ad prices ranging from $75 – $350 many families earn enough credits to either pay for or make a substantial reduction in the amount that they have to pay for tuition.
Merit Scholarships
Every season, OYO awards 12 students with essay-based Merit Scholarships. Applicants must be enrolled in Oakland Youth Orchestras, active for the current season, and submit a questionnaire and an essay. A committee reviews the applications, and awards up to 12 students with $125 to be applied toward their music education. If you are currently a member, click here to log in and download the scholarship application.
