Music lessons with North Carolina ESA and scholarship funds

What is covered, conditions and how to pay

Status

Covered with conditions. Music lessons from enrolled providers only; no instruments; disability-only program.

Conditions

ESA+ students with disabilities only. New for 2026–27: individual or group music lessons, instrumental or vocal, including classes and camps, from providers enrolled with SEAA (Tutoring: Other). Music therapy from a board-certified music therapist counts as educational therapy.

Limits

No dollar cap stated. Does not count toward the $500 requirement.

Payment routes

Pay vendor (services from SEAA-enrolled providers)

Documentation

Invoice from the enrolled provider through Pay vendor.

Not allowed

Instruments, music products, supplies and curricula; music membership, travel and competition fees; color guard or other non-instrumental band lessons; concert tickets.

Example

Weekly piano lessons from an enrolled provider

Source

Parent Guide to Allowable Expenses, 2026-2027 School Year (NCSEAA), Policy Update, 'Art & Music Tutoring and Teaching Services', pp. 16–18 (version 2026-2027 School Year (PDF created 2026-09-28)). Checked 2026-10-19.

Providers in this category