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), iis soliciting grant applications for the 2026–2027 Pilot Award Program in Music and Aging Research.

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.

Examples of potential research areas could include:

• Music Interventions for Cognitive Health and Dementia: Explore the potential of music-based activities to delay cognitive decline, enhance memory, or improve emotional and behavioral symptoms in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementias.
• Mechanistic Research: Investigate how specific components of music (e.g., rhythm, melody, harmony) influence aging-related processes such as neuroplasticity, memory, motor function, emotion regulation, or stress resilience.
• Technology-Enabled Music Interventions: Develop and test new tools or platforms (e.g., apps, VR/AR, adaptive music systems) designed to deliver music interventions tailored to older adults with varying cognitive, sensory, or physical abilities.
• Interpersonal and Social Benefits of Music: Examine how music-making (e.g., singing, drumming, group music therapy) promotes social connection, reduces loneliness, and supports mental health among older adults and their caregivers.
• Individual Differences and Personalization: Investigate how individual factors (e.g., cultural background, prior musical experience, genetic profiles) influence the efficacy and mechanisms of music interventions in aging populations.

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. Investigators from all UR schools and departments are encouraged to apply, including those new to music or aging research. Cross-disciplinary teams and new collaborations are particularly encouraged.

Important Dates

• RFA Release: September 15^th, 2025
• Letter of Intent Due: November 10^th, 2025 by 11:59pm EST
• Notification to Submit Full Proposal: December 15^th, 2025
• Full Proposals Due: March 2^nd, 2026 by 5:00 PM EST
• Award Notification: Week of April 20^th, 2026
• Project Start Date: July 1, 2026

Budget

Up to two (2) awards will be made for up to $25,000 for one year in direct costs. Funds may be used for research costs only, and may not support faculty salaries or administrative staff, travel to professional meetings or equipment. All costs must be justified. Indirects are not allowed. No-cost extensions are not allowed. 

Application Process

Application is a two-step process. Please use the application instructions below and the templates provided, as applicable.

• Please consolidate all items into a single PDF and upload that document. Please use the following filename convention: [contact PI’s last name]_EPAM_2024.pdf
• Please email your application to EPAMresearch@urmc.rochester.edu
• This is an internal award program. Applications should not be routed through the ORPA sign-off process.

Stage 1 – Letter of Intent – Please submit as a single PDF

Content.

• The statement of intent (Limited to 1 Page) must include the following:
  • Project Title (Limited to 200 Characters)
  • Contact PI Name and Department
  • Other PI Name(s) and Department
  • Abstract: Summarizing the proposed project, including intended next steps
• NIH Biosketch

Stage 2 – Full Application Requirements – Please submit as a single PDF

• 2025 Pilot Award Program in Aging & Music Research Face Page (Form Provided)
• Lay Abstract (Limited to 10 lines)
• Specific Aims Page (1 Page)
• Project Proposal (3 Pages) – Include Background, Significance, Innovation and Approach
• Bibliography (No Limit)
• Plans regarding the use of vertebrate animals or involvement of human subjects (No Limit)
• NIH-format biosketch for PI, Co-Investigators, and Mentors (5 Page Limit Each)
• Updated Other Support for PI or co-PI only
• Budget (PHS 398 Form provided)
  • Limited to $25,000 direct costs
  • Provide a detailed description of supplies and other expenses within the form page
  • Unless exceptional circumstances, funds may not be used to support faculty salary or administrative staff, but the budget must identify the proposed effort.
  • Funds may not be used for travel to professional meetings or equipment.
  • Funds may be used to support research supplies and expenses, travel to collect data and other nonfaculty salary.
  • If applicable, identify other sources of support that will be used to complete the pilot project.

Submission and Review Process

Stage 1

Proposals will be scored by a panel of EPAM and URAI experts and meritorious applications will be invited for a full submission.

Stage 2

Full proposals will be reviewed by a faculty committee and will be assigned a priority score in accordance with these 6 categories:

• Significance (including scientific premise and hypothesis)
• PI, Scientific Team & Environment
• Innovation and Multidisciplinary Approach
• Research Design and Approach
• Responsiveness to the terms of this RFA

A summary of the reviewers’ comments will be provided once the review process has been completed.

Award Information

Selected investigators will be notified via email during the week of April 20^th, 2026. Funding will not be released until all needed RSRB and UCAR approvals are provided. Upon receipt of all required documentation, a formal internal Notice of Award will be issued.

Funding through this mechanism will be for a single year. No-cost extensions and renewals are not allowed.

Investigators will be requested to set up a new FAO, which will be funded at the end of the award period, up to the amount awarded, based on actual expenses incurred.

Reporting Requirements

An annual report is required, due 60 days after the end date. The report should cover spending relative to budget, scientific progress with reference to planned specific aims, and activities and plans related to dissemination of findings (e.g. presentations, posters, and manuscripts prepared, submitted and published), as well as an update regarding plans for future funding.

Other Terms

Support shall be acknowledged in all project-related publications or presentations by including the following language: “Supported in part by Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center:  & University of Rochester Aging Institute: Pilot Studies in Music & Aging Research.

Must present at a UR Aging Institute annual conference.

Contact

For questions related to the program or application, please contact:

Dana Benoit, Music & Medicine Clinical Research Specialist
Email: dana_benoit@urmc.rochester.edu
EPAMresearch@urmc.rochester.edu

Kara Horvath & Laura Robinson, URAI Institute Administrators
Email: UR_Aging_Institute@urmc.rochester.edu

For questions related to scientific matters, please contact:

O.J. Sahler MD
Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Health Humanities & Bioethics, and Oncology
Research Advisor for URMC Music Therapy & EPAM
Email: OJ_Sahler@urmc.rochester.edu

Kathi L. Heffner, PhD
Professor of Nursing, Psychiatry, and Medicine
Associate Chief of Research, Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine
Executive Committee, University of Rochester Aging Institute
kathi_heffner@urmc.rochester.edu