School children are the principal beneficiaries of our funds. In the last past five years, we have funded programs bringing music education to nearly 100,000 kids, both in the seven-county metropolitan area and throughout the state of Minnesota, western Wisconsin and eastern North Dakota. These students attend a wide range of schools in our area, both public and private, and come from every grade level.

Establishing a presence for music education in schools has never been easy. TCOG is proud to work with a variety of organizations who are creating programs that support music education. Twice each year (Fall and Winter), we review applications for education grants.

Apply now for Fall 2026 Grants-due by August 31.  Grants for 2027 Winter/Spring/Summer will be due by the end of October.  Application information at bottom of this page.


2026 Funded Programs

Type of Grantee Project

In-School Music Programs

Mirandola Ensemble high school residency
La Grande Bande school residency
Minneapolis Public Schools; multiple school programs
Chelsea Heights Elementary School: Opera for the Young performances
Opera For The Young: performances in twelve schools
Falcon Heights Elementary School: Opera for the Young performances
New Richmond Elementary School District: Opera for the Young performances
Cantus: High School residency
Minnesota Boychoir in-school performances
Mixed Precipitation MN Academy for Blind residency
An Opera Theatre: Education residency at high schools
Mounds View Public Schools-drumming
St. Croix Valley Opera: in-school performances

Support For School Musicals

Capital Hill Middle School
Murray Middle School

Choir/Music After-School School Programs for Students

American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota Honors choirs
Lundstrum Performing Arts: Classes
ComMUSICation: Performance Choir
Laurel School of Music: Music for All Program
VocalEssence: VESOTA Choral Program high school

Summer Music Programs for Children

Yellow Tree Theatre summer musical
Young Actors Academy at Open Window Theatre
St. Croix Valley Opera
Lakes Area Music Festival Kids Camp

Support for Young Artists

Opera Reading Project - Audition training for student singers of all ages
Joan T. Smith Award for Vocal Music Student
Metropolitan Opera Auditions District and Regional Awards