2026–2027 Pilot Award Program in Music and Aging Research

The Eastman Performing Arts Medicine (EPAM) Center, in partnership with The University of Rochester Aging Institute (URAI), is excited to announce the upcoming release of the 2026–2027 Pilot Award Program in Music and Aging Research. The formal Request for Applications (RFA) will be issued on September 15, 2025.

This internal grant opportunity will support up to two one-year pilot projects, with awards of up to $25,000 each in direct costs, to advance innovative research at the intersection of music and aging. The program invites proposals that explore the role of music-based interventions in aging populations, consistent with NIH music-based intervention toolkit definitions.

Proposals may focus on mechanistic studies, intervention development, or outcomes-based research. Projects are welcome from any stage of the translational research continuum. The goal of this program is to catalyze collaborative and interdisciplinary research that may lead to future funding from the National Institutes of Health or other external sponsors. 

Eligibility: Investigators from all UR schools and departments will be encouraged to apply. Only full-time faculty are eligible to serve as principal investigators. Staff and trainees (including residents, fellows, and graduate students) may participate as co-investigators.

Please reach out to EPAMresearch@urmc.rochester.edu with any questions.