Bursaries & Scholarships for Students

Helping Students Through Bursaries and Grants

Financial Assistance

Bursaries are available for all Cassa programs for both youth and adult learners. We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate.

At Cassa, we are committed to breaking down financial barriers so that music education remains accessible to our community. If you require financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for a bursary.

To request support, please submit a letter to info@cassamusicalarts.com that includes:

  • The participant’s name (child or adult applicant)

  • The program they are interested in

  • Their level of music experience

  • A brief description of your circumstances and how financial assistance would support your participation

  • A brief description of their interest in the program

  • How you learned about Cassa Musical Arts

All requests are reviewed confidentially by the Cassa Management Team. If approved, applicants will be asked to complete online registration and pay a nominal $50 administrative fee to confirm their placement.

Bursary amounts vary each year and are determined based on the number of applications received and available donor funding. Decisions are typically communicated in June.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We are happy to help.

Scholarships and Bursaries

MARISSA STADDON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Marrisa Staddon Memorial Scholarship Fund, through Cassa Musical Arts, will award a $150 scholarship to the most outstanding Cassa Piano Immersive student each year.

DOROTHEA JOHANSON MEMORIAL FUND: Dorothea Johanson was an enthusiastic supporter of Cassa’s summer programs. She was first a volunteer at Cassa Piano (formerly Piano Camp), then joined the teaching staff and became an active member of the Cassa Board of Directors. In her honour, a $150 scholarship will be awarded to the most improved Cassa Piano Immersive student each year.

DR. BELL DISTINGUISHED MUSICIANSHIP AWARD: Beginning in 2026, this $150 award will be presented to the student who consistently demonstrates exceptional musicianship across all aspects of performance and their learning journey at Cassa Piano Immersive.

ARMTA RECOGNITION FUND: This award recognizes exceptional Cassa students who, in the opinion of the instructors, show outstanding promise and dedication to success and currently study with an ARMTA member. The awards total $500.

Donations

Special thanks go to our many supporters whose generous donations make these scholarships and bursaries possible. Because of contributions from individuals like you, we are able to assist 10–20 participants each year with financial support. These funds open the door for deserving and talented students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a fine arts program because of financial barriers. Donors also play a vital role by sponsoring specific programs and establishing scholarship opportunities that directly support our students.

If you are interested in creating or contributing to our bursary program or scholarship fund and making a lasting impact on our students, please contact us at info@cassamusicalarts.com to learn more. You may also make a direct donation to Cassa through CanadaHelps which can accessed here.

Cassa is a registered charity, 88490 6249 RR0001 under the Charitable Fund-raising Act in the province of Alberta. Charitable tax receipts are issued for all donations. Thank you for your support!

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Marissa Staddon Scholarship: Lucy Zabawski

Dorothea Johanson Scholarships: Elaine He

ARMTA Scholarships: Amelia Zhao, Abram Schwonik, Elsa Zhang, Emily Ding and Esther Lipp