In partnership with Belle Melodie Music Art School
Ensemble Pro Association is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Belle Melodie Music Art School through shared educational initiatives, faculty collaboration, and community music programs.
Ensemble Pro Association (EPA) Scholarship
Need-Based Music Education Support for Chamber Music, Choir, Musical Theatre, and Related Training
The Ensemble Pro Association (EPA) Scholarship is a need-based scholarship funded by generous donors who believe in the value of ensemble music education. The scholarship is designed to support students who love chamber music, choir, group singing, musical theatre, or related collaborative music training, but who may face financial difficulty in continuing their studies.
Through this scholarship, EPA helps qualified students access approved music programs at Belle Melodie Music Art School, including chamber classes, group singing classes, musical theatre training, and related private lessons that support ensemble participation and performance development.
Scholarship Purpose
The EPA Scholarship exists to make ensemble-based music education more accessible to students with financial need.
EPA believes that chamber music, choir, and musical theatre help students develop not only musical skills, but also teamwork, discipline, confidence, listening skills, communication, leadership, and a lifelong appreciation for music. By supporting students who may not otherwise be able to fully participate, EPA hopes to create more opportunities for young musicians to learn, collaborate, perform, and grow together.
Scholarship Benefits
Qualified students may receive financial support covering 30% of eligible tuition at Belle Melodie Music Art School.
The total scholarship amount may not exceed $1,000 per student per academic year.
Eligible programs may include:
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Chamber music classes
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Group singing classes
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Choir-related training
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Musical theatre classes or training
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Ensemble coaching
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Related private lessons that support chamber music, vocal ensemble, musical theatre, or performance development
Final eligibility of specific programs will be determined by EPA and Belle Melodie based on the student’s approved study plan.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the EPA Scholarship, students must:
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Be enrolled at Belle Melodie Music Art School.
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Demonstrate financial need.
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Show sincere interest in chamber music, choir, group singing, musical theatre, or related ensemble training.
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Participate in an approved Belle Melodie program.
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Maintain regular attendance and active participation.
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Follow the policies and expectations of both Ensemble Pro Association and Belle Melodie Music Art School.
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Use the scholarship only for approved educational programs within the approved academic year.
EPA may request additional information or documentation to verify financial need, student eligibility, and program participation.
Scholarship Amount
The EPA Scholarship may cover 30% of the student’s eligible tuition.
The maximum scholarship support is $1,000 per student per academic year.
For example, if a student enrolls in an approved Belle Melodie program with eligible tuition of $2,000 for the academic year, EPA may provide up to $600 in scholarship support, subject to approval and available funding.
Scholarship amounts may vary depending on:
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Financial need
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Student commitment
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Program eligibility
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Available donor funding
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Number of qualified applicants
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EPA’s final review and approval
Receiving a scholarship in one academic year does not guarantee scholarship approval in future years.
Payment and Student Account Credit Policy
EPA Scholarship funds are not paid directly to the student or family in cash.
Once a scholarship is approved, Ensemble Pro Association will release the financial aid by paying Belle Melodie Music Art School directly on behalf of the student.
After Belle Melodie receives the scholarship payment, Belle Melodie will apply the approved scholarship amount to the student’s account. Depending on the student’s tuition plan and payment status, Belle Melodie may issue the scholarship support as:
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A tuition balance credit;
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A student account credit; or
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A Belle Melodie gift card/account credit that may be used toward approved eligible programs.
Scholarship funds are not transferable, not redeemable for cash, and may only be used toward approved Belle Melodie programs related to chamber music, choir, group singing, musical theatre, ensemble coaching, or related private training.
Approved Use of Scholarship Funds
EPA Scholarship funds may be used only for approved music education programs at Belle Melodie Music Art School.
Approved uses may include:
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Chamber music tuition
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Choir or group singing tuition
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Musical theatre training
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Ensemble coaching
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Related private lessons approved as part of the student’s ensemble or performance development plan
Scholarship funds may not be used for unrelated fees, merchandise, non-approved programs, or cash reimbursement unless specifically approved in writing by EPA.
Attendance and Participation Expectations
Scholarship recipients are expected to attend classes regularly and participate actively.
Students who receive the EPA Scholarship should demonstrate:
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Consistent attendance
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Respectful behavior toward teachers and fellow students
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Active participation in lessons, rehearsals, and group activities
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Reasonable practice effort
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Commitment to the approved program
If a student has excessive absences, withdraws from the approved program, or does not meet participation expectations, EPA and Belle Melodie may review the scholarship and may adjust, pause, or cancel future scholarship support.
Donor-Funded Scholarship
The EPA Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of donors who support music education and student access to ensemble learning.
Scholarship availability depends on donor contributions and annual funding capacity. EPA may adjust the number of scholarships, scholarship amounts, or application timelines based on available funds.
EPA deeply appreciates donors who help students experience the joy and discipline of collaborative music-making.
Application Process
Families interested in applying for the EPA Scholarship may contact Ensemble Pro Association or Belle Melodie Music Art School for application details.
Applicants may be asked to provide:
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Student name and age
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Parent or guardian contact information
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Current or intended Belle Melodie program
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A brief statement of the student’s musical interest
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A brief explanation of financial need
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Supporting documentation, if requested
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Teacher recommendation, if applicable
EPA will review each application individually. Approval is based on financial need, student eligibility, program fit, and available scholarship funding.
Review and Approval
All scholarship applications are subject to review by Ensemble Pro Association.
EPA reserves the right to:
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Approve or deny scholarship applications;
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Determine the final scholarship amount;
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Request additional information;
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Limit scholarship awards based on available funding;
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Adjust scholarship support if the student’s enrollment status changes;
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Discontinue scholarship support if eligibility requirements are not met.
Scholarship decisions are made in good faith to support students with genuine financial need and sincere interest in ensemble-based music education.
Non-Cash and Non-Transferable Benefit
The EPA Scholarship is a tuition-support benefit only.
Scholarship funds:
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Are not paid directly to families;
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Are not redeemable for cash;
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Are not transferable to another student or family;
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May only be applied to approved Belle Melodie programs;
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Must be used within the approved academic year unless otherwise approved by EPA.
Application Window:
All Year Long
Result Announcement:
Every month
Start of the Acadamic Year:
August, some program may start July
Michelle Meixuan Li Scholarship
The Michelle Meixuan Li Scholarship was established to carry forward the spirit of generosity, mentorship, and artistic dedication that has shaped Michelle Meixuan Li’s own musical journey.
Throughout her life, Meixuan has been deeply influenced by teachers, family members, and senior artists who gave selflessly to the next generation of musicians. Among them are her grandmother, Wang Chuanfang, a renowned Pingju opera artist; her father, Li Decong, a respected conductor and erhu artist; her first piano mentor, Gong Rongguang; her university professor, Guo Ming; and her graduate mentor, Esther Cho. Their guidance, encouragement, and uncompensated devotion to young musicians left a lasting mark on Meixuan’s understanding of what music education should be.
In recognition of this legacy, Meixuan created this scholarship to help young musicians experience the same kind of meaningful artistic guidance and community support. The scholarship is open to students ages 9–17 throughout Southern California who demonstrate a strong passion for chamber music. Awards may be granted based on either merit or financial need.
Each academic year, up to 10 scholarship recipients will be selected to participate in the Chamber Music Program at Belle Melodie Music Art School, a close educational partner of Ensemble Pro Association. Recipients will receive one hour of weekly chamber music training, working with Belle Melodie’s distinguished faculty to develop ensemble skills, musical communication, artistic maturity, and performance confidence.
Michelle Meixuan Li will also participate in the guidance of scholarship students, helping them grow not only as instrumentalists, but also as thoughtful collaborators and expressive young artists.
Through this scholarship, Ensemble Pro Association and Belle Melodie Music Art School seek to make high-quality chamber music education more accessible, while honoring the tradition of teachers and artists who give generously so that the next generation may rise to a higher stage.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be between 9 and 17 years of age.
Applicants must reside in Southern California and be able to attend weekly classes at designated locations, including but not limited to San Diego, Irvine, Fallbrook, or other approved program sites.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an academic institution or be home-schooled.
Applicants must have prior instrumental study experience and demonstrate readiness for chamber music participation.
Applicants must show a high level of interest, discipline, and commitment to chamber music study.
Applicants must demonstrate seriousness of purpose, motivation, consistent attendance, musical growth, and respect for collaborative learning. Teacher recommendations, auditions, video submissions, current instructor feedback, or other evaluations may be considered.
Applicants currently enrolled in Belle Melodie Music Art School or Ensemble Pro Association programs must be in good financial standing with no outstanding tuition balances.
For need-based scholarship consideration, the family’s gross annual income on the previous year’s federal tax return must be below $98,800. Families may be asked to provide financial documentation for review.
Program Placement and Participation Requirements
Scholarship recipients will be placed into appropriate Chamber Music Groups based on their skill level, musical goals, instrument, age, ensemble readiness, and the needs of the program.
In some cases, a student may be assigned to more than one chamber group. Because chamber music placement depends on instrumentation, student level, repertoire, rehearsal progress, and performance needs, group assignments may change during the academic year. Students and families are expected to cooperate with such adjustments, including changes in group placement, rehearsal schedule, repertoire, or ensemble partners.
Recipients are required to attend one weekly chamber music class and participate actively in rehearsals and assigned performances. Students must maintain consistent attendance. In general, absences should not exceed one time per month. Frequent or excessive absences may affect scholarship eligibility, continuation, or renewal.
Students and families are expected to give priority, to the best of their ability, to important performances, competitions, showcases, festivals, and community concerts arranged by the program. Active participation in these events is an important part of the scholarship experience.
Recipients must respect all faculty members, guest artists, master teachers, rehearsal coaches, assistants, young teachers, staff members, and fellow students. Students are expected to participate in all lessons, rehearsals, and performances with a positive, respectful, and professional attitude. Failure to cooperate with program arrangements or show proper respect to teachers or ensemble members may affect scholarship status or future renewal.
Renewal and Use of Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded for the designated academic year. If a recipient demonstrates strong progress, good behavior, consistent attendance, active participation, and a positive collaborative spirit, the scholarship may be given priority for renewal or may be directly approved for the following academic year, subject to program availability and continued eligibility.
The scholarship is non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be exchanged for cash or other services. It may only be used by the awarded student for the designated Chamber Music Program during the approved academic year.
Unused scholarship benefits, classes, or program privileges may not be postponed, carried over to the next academic year, transferred to another student or family member, or converted into other Belle Melodie or Ensemble Pro services, unless specially approved in writing by Ensemble Pro Association.
Application Window:
May 1 to June 15
Audition Window (Online/In-person):
June 16-June 30
Result Announcement:
July
Start of the Acadamic Year:
August, some program may start July