Music Makers Tuition
At WYSO Music Makers, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality music education, regardless of financial circumstances.
It costs approximately $4,500 per student each year to provide a Music Makers experience. Families pay only a fraction of that cost. Tuition covers less than 20% of program expenses, with the remainder supported by donors, foundations, and community partners who all believe in the same mission: cost should never be the reason a child cannot participate in music education.
A New Tuition Scholarship Model
For many years, Music Makers used a pay-as-you’re-able tuition model, allowing families to choose the tuition amount that worked best for them.
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, we’re introducing a structured tuition scholarship model. Families requesting tuition assistance will receive a tuition level based primarily on household size and annual household income. This approach allows us to distribute our limited scholarship resources more consistently while continuing our commitment to making Music Makers affordable for every family.
Understanding Your Tuition
Music Makers membership is listed in our course catalog at $855 per year ($95 per month). This represents the highest tuition level and remains heavily subsidized by WYSO.
During registration, Music Makers families may request a tuition scholarship. Tuition levels are determined primarily by household size and annual household income, with rates ranging from $10 to $95 per month.
We understand that income and household size don’t tell the whole story. If there are circumstances affecting your family’s ability to pay, you’re welcome to share them as part of your tuition scholarship request. Our staff will consider this information when determining your tuition level.
Estimate Your Tuition
Music Makers families will pay between $10 and $95 per month, depending on household size and annual household income.
Use the chart below to estimate your tuition level before registering. Please note that in order for this tuition assistance to be applied, you must indicate you would like to apply for additional tuition assistance during membership registration.
| Household Size | $10/mo ($90/yr) | $25/mo ($225/yr) | $45/mo ($405/yr) | $75/mo ($675/yr) | $95/mo ($855/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 People | Under $32,500 | $32,501–$54,150 | $54,151–$85,450 | $85,451–$129,960 | Over $129,960 |
| 3 People | Under $36,550 | $36,551–$60,900 | $60,901–$96,150 | $96,151–$146,160 | Over $146,160 |
| 4 People | Under $40,600 | $40,601–$67,650 | $67,651–$106,800 | $106,801–$162,360 | Over $162,360 |
| 5 People | Under $43,850 | $43,851–$73,100 | $73,101–$115,350 | $115,351–$175,440 | Over $175,440 |
| 6 People | Under $47,100 | $47,101–$78,500 | $78,501–$123,900 | $123,901–$188,400 | Over $188,400 |
Income ranges are based on the 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines for our service area and are updated periodically.
Payment Plans
This season WYSO is moving to a new registration system and membership database called ActiveNet. During checkout this system will show your tuition owed first as a total for the year, which is a change from how we’ve typically displayed our tuition rates (by month). This system will allow a variety of payment options, including a monthly payment. Please contact musicmakers@wysomusic.org with any questions you have regarding how to set up a payment plan!
Need additional assistance? We understand that every family’s financial situation is unique. If your assigned tuition level creates a financial hardship, please contact the Music Makers office. We’ll review your circumstances individually and work with you whenever possible to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.
Music Makers Payments
WYSO Music Makers accepts cash, checks and credit/debit cards. Payments are due monthly and members will receive an invoice via email on the date selected during registration.
CREDIT OR DEBIT
If you selected Credit or Debit as your preferred payment method during registration, you will receive a start-up email at the beginning of the season. This email will include instructions and a secure link to provide your payment information for monthly recurring payments.
CASH OR CHECK (In person, at the WYSO Center for Music)
If you selected Cash or Check as your preferred payment method during registration, you will receive monthly invoices via email on the date you selected during registration.
All payments should be placed in a WYSO Music Makers payment envelope, available at the front desk.
Please include the following information on your payment envelope:
- Students name
- Current date
- Month(s) for which you are paying
Deposit envelope in the red drop box located at the front desk.
CHECKS
Please make checks payable to WYSO Music Makers.
Send to:
WYSO Music Makers
1118 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
Questions about your tuition or payment?
Email Music Makers Membership Coordinator, Maggie Schenk – maggie@wysomusic.org