Scholarship Info
The Downbeat Foundation Student & Family Pledge
By applying, and if accepted for this scholarship, we understand that participation is a privilege and a partnership. Together, we commit to the following values:
Passion: Bring curiosity, excitement, and love for music to each lesson.
Respect: Show respect for instructors, instruments, spaces, and one another.
Consistency: Make steady attendance a priority. Life happens, but lessons should matter.
Effort: Practice between sessions and complete any “homework” from your instructor, especially if an instrument was provided for this purpose.
Attitude & Fun: Come ready to learn, stay positive, and enjoy the journey of making music.
As long as these values are embraced, The Downbeat Foundation will do everything we can to break down barriers and keep your musical journey moving forward.
Scholarship Opportunities
At The Downbeat Foundation, we believe every student with a passion for music deserves the chance to play. Our scholarships provide need-based support for instruments, lessons, and transportation for students in grades 4–12—removing barriers so talent, curiosity, and creativity can take center stage.
Accepted students are paired with professional instructors, and lessons are held at several locations throughout Dauphin County—including Dale’s Drum Shop. Lessons are carried out in professional instructional settings, never in private homes, and scheduling is coordinated directly between instructors and families.
Participation in this program is a privilege, built on a mutual contract between The Downbeat Foundation, our instructors, and our students. We ask students to bring passion, respect, consistency, effort, and a positive attitude. Steady attendance is expected—life happens, but lessons should be treated as a priority. Students are also expected to practice and complete any homework between sessions, especially if an instrument has been provided for this purpose. If that contract is broken, the Foundation reserves the right to remove a student from the program.
Instruments awarded through the program are one-time, no-strings-attached grants. If a student stops pursuing drums, we ask that the instrument be returned or passed on to another aspiring musician so the gift of music can continue.
To ensure safety and support, a parent or guardian must accompany the student to all lessons, including when transportation is provided. For families who need help getting there, we will provide transportation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Students in grades 4–12 who have a passion for music and an interest in learning drums. Enrollment in a formal school music program is not required.
Is the scholarship based on financial need?
Yes. The Downbeat Foundation scholarships are need-based. We exist to break down barriers so that every student with a love for music can access lessons, instruments, and transportation. We reserve the right to request basic documentation to demonstrate financial need.
What does the scholarship cover?
Scholarships may cover the cost of lessons, instruments, and transportation.
How long does the scholarship last?
Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Any students enrolled prior to December 2025 will remain supported through December 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, all scholarships will follow a calendar-year cycle (January–December). Renewal applications are required each year, but they are very much welcomed.
How does the instrument assistance work?
Instrument assistance is offered as a one-time, no-strings-attached grant. If your child stops pursuing drums, we ask that you return the instrument or donate it to another aspiring musician so it can continue to inspire others.
If my child receives a drum set scholarship, how does that work?
If a drum set scholarship is awarded, we will reach out to the parent or guardian and include the student in the conversation. Together, we’ll review your student’s individual requirements and match them with available inventory. All drum sets are provided in good working order and include everything needed to meet goals set by the instructor. Your child just needs to bring their sticks.
Do students need to bring their own drums to lessons?
No. Students do not need to bring their own drums. Requirements for sticks, books, and accessories will be set by the instructor and tailored to each student.
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are held at a few professional instructional locations within Dauphin County, one of which is Dale’s Drum Shop. Lessons are never conducted in the personal residences of students or instructors.
Who teaches the lessons?
Students are paired with one of our local professional instructors—many of whom are affiliated with Dale’s Drum Shop. Lesson scheduling is arranged directly between the instructor and the parent/guardian.
Do parents/guardians need to attend lessons?
Yes. A parent or guardian must accompany the student to all lessons, including when transportation is provided.
How do you track progress?
We periodically check in with instructors about student attendance and progress toward individual goals. Students are also expected to practice and complete any homework between sessions, especially if an instrument has been provided to them.
Can a scholarship be taken away?
Yes. Participation in this program is a privilege, built on a shared commitment between The Downbeat Foundation, our instructors, and our students. If a student breaks that contract—by failing to uphold the values of passion, respect, consistency, effort, and fun—we reserve the right to remove them from the program.
When can I apply?
We are accepting applications now for immediate consideration.
How do I apply?
The Downbeat Foundation Student & Family Pledge
By applying, and if accepted for this scholarship, we understand that participation is a privilege and a partnership. Together, we commit to the following values:
Passion: Bring curiosity, excitement, and love for music to each lesson.
Respect: Show respect for instructors, instruments, spaces, and one another.
Consistency: Make steady attendance a priority. Life happens, but lessons should matter.
Effort: Practice between sessions and complete any “homework” from your instructor, especially if an instrument was provided for this purpose.
Attitude & Fun: Come ready to learn, stay positive, and enjoy the journey of making music.
As long as these values are embraced, The Downbeat Foundation will do everything we can to break down barriers and keep your musical journey moving forward.
Scholarship Opportunities
At The Downbeat Foundation, we believe every student with a passion for music deserves the chance to play. Our scholarships provide need-based support for instruments, lessons, and transportation for students in grades 4–12—removing barriers so talent, curiosity, and creativity can take center stage.
Accepted students are paired with professional instructors, and lessons are held at several locations throughout Dauphin County—including Dale’s Drum Shop. Lessons are carried out in professional instructional settings, never in private homes, and scheduling is coordinated directly between instructors and families.
Participation in this program is a privilege, built on a mutual contract between The Downbeat Foundation, our instructors, and our students. We ask students to bring passion, respect, consistency, effort, and a positive attitude. Steady attendance is expected—life happens, but lessons should be treated as a priority. Students are also expected to practice and complete any homework between sessions, especially if an instrument has been provided for this purpose. If that contract is broken, the Foundation reserves the right to remove a student from the program.
Instruments awarded through the program are one-time, no-strings-attached grants. If a student stops pursuing drums, we ask that the instrument be returned or passed on to another aspiring musician so the gift of music can continue.
To ensure safety and support, a parent or guardian must accompany the student to all lessons, including when transportation is provided. For families who need help getting there, we will provide transportation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Students in grades 4–12 who have a passion for music and an interest in learning drums. Enrollment in a formal school music program is not required.
Is the scholarship based on financial need?
Yes. The Downbeat Foundation scholarships are need-based. We exist to break down barriers so that every student with a love for music can access lessons, instruments, and transportation. We reserve the right to request basic documentation to demonstrate financial need.
What does the scholarship cover?
Scholarships may cover the cost of lessons, instruments, and transportation.
How long does the scholarship last?
Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Any students enrolled prior to December 2025 will remain supported through December 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, all scholarships will follow a calendar-year cycle (January–December). Renewal applications are required each year, but they are very much welcomed.
How does the instrument assistance work?
Instrument assistance is offered as a one-time, no-strings-attached grant. If your child stops pursuing drums, we ask that you return the instrument or donate it to another aspiring musician so it can continue to inspire others.
If my child receives a drum set scholarship, how does that work?
If a drum set scholarship is awarded, we will reach out to the parent or guardian and include the student in the conversation. Together, we’ll review your student’s individual requirements and match them with available inventory. All drum sets are provided in good working order and include everything needed to meet goals set by the instructor. Your child just needs to bring their sticks.
Do students need to bring their own drums to lessons?
No. Students do not need to bring their own drums. Requirements for sticks, books, and accessories will be set by the instructor and tailored to each student.
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are held at a few professional instructional locations within Dauphin County, one of which is Dale’s Drum Shop. Lessons are never conducted in the personal residences of students or instructors.
Who teaches the lessons?
Students are paired with one of our local professional instructors—many of whom are affiliated with Dale’s Drum Shop. Lesson scheduling is arranged directly between the instructor and the parent/guardian.
Do parents/guardians need to attend lessons?
Yes. A parent or guardian must accompany the student to all lessons, including when transportation is provided.
How do you track progress?
We periodically check in with instructors about student attendance and progress toward individual goals. Students are also expected to practice and complete any homework between sessions, especially if an instrument has been provided to them.
Can a scholarship be taken away?
Yes. Participation in this program is a privilege, built on a shared commitment between The Downbeat Foundation, our instructors, and our students. If a student breaks that contract—by failing to uphold the values of passion, respect, consistency, effort, and fun—we reserve the right to remove them from the program.
When can I apply?
We are accepting applications now for immediate consideration.