With a generous gift from Tita Cahn, Abrons Arts Center is pleased to offer an annual scholarship to six youth to support their study of music. The Sammy Cahn Scholarship provides six students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing their musical craft in an instrument of their choice (including voice) with one year of free, weekly thirty minute private music lessons with a professional instructor.

Born on the Lower East Side and a former student of Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement, Sammy Cahn (June 18, 1913 – January 15, 1993) was an American lyricist, composer, and musician. He is best known for his romantic lyrics to films and Broadway songs, as well as stand-alone songs for multiple recording companies. He and his collaborators had a series of hit recordings with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Doris Day and many others. He won the Academy Award four times for his songs, including the popular song “Three Coins in the Fountain”. In memory of Mr. Cahn and in honor of his historic connection to Henry Street Settlement, Mr. Cahn’s widow, Tita Cahn, has generously provided support to emerging Abrons musicians since 2009 via Abrons’ Center Education Program.

Private lessons are held weekly at the Abrons Arts Center with a professional instructor.

Students interested in applying for the Sammy Cahn Scholarship must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 8 and 18 at the time of application
• Have studied their instrument for at least one year as part of Abrons’ group or individual classes
• Express a dedication to their craft by committing to private music lessons for the 2024 Fiscal year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) and an agreement for continued solo practice of their instrument for at least three hours per week.

2023

• August 28th: Applications available via your private instructor or by reaching out to Abrons Education Staff
• September 11th: Completed application due
• September 15th: Awards announced by EOD
• September 18th: Fall semester begins

2024

• January 9th: Winter/Spring semester begins
• April 1st: Letter of thanks, updated bio and headshot due
• June 2nd: End of semester

Scholarship recipients will be selected by Abrons’s Education staff and teaching faculty. Students will be evaluated based on the articulated goals described in their application, expressed level of commitment to their instrument and a clear sense of growth that this opportunity can provide at this time. Financial need may be considered in some cases.

Note: Please inform your instructor if you plan to apply for the program because staff may inquire with your teacher about your candidacy.