General Information
The VYOA’s Endangered Instruments Program (EIP) is a subsidized private lesson program that encourages students to play those instruments that are typically difficult to recruit for orchestras (oboe, bassoon, French horn, tuba, and string bass). EIP is open to new students in grades 6-9 who are not taking private lessons or to VYOA students interested in playing one of these instruments in our orchestras. Due to the limited numbers of openings, admission must be preapproved by VYOA staff.
2025-26 Endangered Instruments Program Rates
Qualifying students receive 28 subsidized lessons annually (September–June) and may participate up to three years. EIP teachers will place students in 30, 45, or 60 minute lessons (only first year students are eligible for 30 minute lessons).
Student lesson fees are the following:
30 minutes = $560 tuition ($20/lesson)
45 minutes = $840 tuition ($30/lesson)
60 minutes = $1,120 tuition ($40/lesson)
To maintain eligibility, students must regularly attend lessons, participate in their school music program, perform an annual check-in with the VYOA audition panel, and accept their placement in a VYOA orchestra as a result of that yearly check-in.
To learn more or to inquire about program participation, contact Lesson Program coordinator, Myriam Bouti at myriam@vyo.org.
