Can a Hillsborough family pay for this with scholarship funds?
Music lessons under Electives; instruments, rentals, insurance, maintenance, repair and tuning under Musical Instruments & Equipment. Music therapy by a credentialed therapist is a separate eligible category.
Same; musical equipment rentals became eligible in 2026-27.
Eligible from leftover funds; a school's band or choir fee is an eligible school fee.
Rules that apply
- Elective providers need a relevant credential, degree, program enrollment, three years of documented experience, or a Florida educator's certificate (valid or expired).
- Equipment purchases are limited to once every two years.
What is not allowed
- Concert tickets (added to the prohibited list for 2026-27)
In Hillsborough
Before booking lessons in Tampa, ask the instructor whether they are listed in EMA's Find Providers — if so, the account pays them directly and there's no reimbursement to file.
How to buy it
Check MyScholarShop first (anything listed is pre-approved), then Find Providers in EMA for direct pay to tutors, therapists and instructors. Otherwise pay with a card, keep the itemized receipt and submit for reimbursement. Anything not listed as eligible needs a pre-authorization request before you buy; 2026-27 requests close May 28, 2027.
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Sources: FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA / Step Up For Students) with the 2026-27 summary of changes; PEP Purchasing Guide 2026-27; Step Up For Students "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides — Summary of Changes," revised September 16, 2026. Summaries, not legal advice; your SFO's handbook controls.