Can a Duval family pay for music teachers and instruments with scholarship funds?
Private lessons, instruments, rentals, repairs and tuning can all qualify as electives.
| Program | Status | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Abilities (FES-UA) | Allowed | Lessons, instruments, rentals and upkeep are authorized; music therapy by a credentialed therapist is a separate category. |
| PEP (family-directed account) | Allowed | Allowed, and Step Up's 2026-27 changes added musical equipment rentals. |
| Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) | Allowed from money left after tuition | Allowed from leftover funds; a school's band or choir fee counts as a school fee. |
Which rules apply to music teachers and instruments purchases?
- The instructor needs the credential or experience the guide describes.
- Instrument purchases can carry a frequency limit.
What is not allowed under music teachers and instruments?
- Concert tickets, newly barred in 2026-27
How do Jacksonville families use music teachers and instruments?
Before booking a Jacksonville teacher, ask whether the instructor appears in EMA's Find Providers list; if so the account pays the teacher directly.
How does a family buy music teachers and instruments with scholarship money?
Browse MyScholarShop first, because its items are pre-approved, then search Find Providers in EMA to pay a tutor, therapist or instructor directly. Failing that, pay on a card and send in the itemized receipt for repayment. Anything not on the eligible list needs permission beforehand, and requests for 2026-27 stop on May 28, 2027.
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Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and the Private School Scholarship (2026-27) and its summary of handbook and guide changes. These are summaries and not legal advice; Step Up's handbook controls.