• The additional compensation applies for one season (01-08-…. to 31-07-….) and can be requested again annually;
• The student has been approved for a cultural application from the Youth Fund Sport & Culture Amsterdam in the same season;
• The student has demonstrably taken lessons for several years in the cultural activity for which the talent allowance is requested;
• A maximum of 5 students per institution (provider) can receive a talent allowance from the talent fund per year;
• The application is submitted by a provider/teacher who is already affiliated with the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Amsterdam;
• The application can be submitted all year round;
• The Cultural Talent Fund has an annual budget. Applications are considered as long as the available budget is sufficient. Once the budget is exhausted, no new applications can be accepted that year. This will be announced on this information page and in our newsletter for cultural providers. No rights can be derived from submitting an application.

• The student is requested to write a letter of motivation that includes the ambition and a clear development path;
• The teacher is requested to prepare a letter of recommendation containing a cost overview, an explanation of the teaching package and how it contributes to the further development of the student;
• Talent assessment is carried out by external experts in the art discipline to which the application is directed.

• The application can be submitted after there has been confirmation of approval for a cultural application in the same application season;
• The teacher must submit the application for the talent allowance via this form containing:
  1. Motivation letter of the student;
  2. Letter of recommendation from the teacher;
  3. (Link to) portfolio/(image) material for talent assessment via the external panel of arts teachers (for example a video) and agreement to share this material with this panel;
     NOTE: For group performances, please clearly indicate which student is involved.
  4. Consent form signed by parent(s)/guardian(s) for the processing of the data.

• If all conditions are met and once all documents are received:
  • The application assessed by the Youth Fund Sport & Culture Amsterdam;
  • The student's talent is also assessed by an external panel of experts from the cultural field;
• The Youth Fund Sport & Culture Amsterdam aims to provide feedback within four weeks of receiving the application, with priority given to fully submitted and well-substantiated applications.

The budget allocation is paid to the provider(s). Therefore, the student does not receive any money, and no claims can be submitted (for example, for expenses already incurred).

This program is a pilot program of the Youth Fund Sport & Culture Amsterdam, initially running for two years. Any extension of the program will be subject to an evaluation, which will assess the progress of the supported talents and the fund's effectiveness.

With this pilot program, we hope to give more children in Amsterdam the opportunity to take music lessons without financial barriers. For questions or more information, please contact us at 06 – 21 37 31 96 (available weekdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) or amsterdam@jeugdfondssportencultuur.nl

The pilot program is only valid for applications submitted to the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture Amsterdam and to the 10 selected providers (see "Participating Music Providers" below). The program runs from August 1, 2023, and has been extended until at least July 31, 2026.

• Applications submitted between August 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024: Maximum reimbursement €650
• Applications submitted between March 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024: Maximum reimbursement €325
• Applications submitted between August 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025: Maximum reimbursement €650
• Applications made between March 1, 2025, and July 31, 2025: Maximum reimbursement €325
• Applications submitted between August 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026: Maximum reimbursement €650
• Applications submitted between March 1, 2026, and July 31, 2025: Maximum reimbursement €325

When submitting your application, please enter the maximum amount. If you can enter a maximum of 480, we will manually adjust the application to 650. The provider will only invoice you for the actual costs.

• Amsterdam Music Academy: View the course offering here (new!)
• The Gooische Music School: View the course offering here (new!)
• New Vocal Amsterdam: View the course offering here (new!)
• Customised Music Lessons: View the course offering here (new!) pilot is valid for applications from 1 August 2025)
• Aslan Music Center: View the course offering here
• B!Music School: View the course offering
• Music School Amsterdam: View the course offering here
• Music School Amsterdam North: View the course offering here
• Christine Kamp (piano lessons): View the course offering here
• Pi-Jana (piano lessons): View the course offering here
• Saskia van der Giessen (violin lessons): View the course offering here

Please note: the increase only applies to music lessons, not to other activities such as dance.

Don't have a City Pass? Ask for help applying. For example, from your school teacher, a neighborhood team member, a neighborhood sports coach, or SINA Foundation.

With this pilot program, we hope to give more children in Amsterdam the opportunity to take music lessons without financial barriers. For questions or more information, please contact us at 06 – 21 37 31 96 or amsterdam@jeugdfondssportencultuur.nl