Scholarship Resources for Music Students
The following scholarship and grant opportunities are available to high school and college students involved in music education and music performance. They are provided here for the convenience of Tri-M Honor Society and NAfME Collegiate members. For more information on these scholarships, please visit the websites referenced. Know of a scholarship or opportunity that should be added to this list? E-mail nafme@nafme.org.
Click on a category below to browse the scholarships:
- Scholarships for High School Juniors
- Scholarships for High School Seniors
- Scholarships for College Students
- Helpful Links
Scholarships for High School Juniors
Music-Related Scholarships
Marine Band Concerto Competition
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and NAfME, announces the Marine Band Concerto Competition for high school musicians.
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Next competition application opens May 2021.
School Band & Orchestra Magazine Essay Scholarship
This scholarship offers prize money to students who write an essay of 250 words or less on a music theme. The deadline for the 21st annual essay contest is December 31, 2020.
- Selected students win a $1,000 scholarship and music products for their school music program.
- Public and private school students in grades 4–12 are eligible.
The Davidson Fellowship is open to students who can demonstrate noteworthy achievements through the creation of a “significant piece of work” aimed at improving the lives of others in several subject areas, including music. A “significant piece of work” in music would be an exemplary performance and/or another demonstration of extraordinary accomplishment.
- Awards are granted in the amount of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000.
- Applicants must be under the age of 18 to be eligible for this award.
- The 2022 application will be available this fall.
VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, ages 14-25, are recognized by the VSA International Young Soloists Competition. The Kennedy Center selects up to four winners from around the world. Applicants can apply as an instrumental or vocal soloist, or as ensembles. The competition is open to all genres. Selected musicians win a $2,500 prize, professional development activities, and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Any musician with a disability is eligible to apply as either a domestic applicant or an international applicant. The competition is open to soloists as well as ensembles of up to five members. For ensembles to be eligible, at least one musician must have a disability, and all members must be between the ages of 14-25.
All genres of music are accepted, including but not limited to classical, jazz, hip-hop, rap, rock/alt rock, pop, indie, bluegrass, folk, country, R&B/blues, Latin, and World
Deadline: March 15, 2021
Application information can be found on the VSA website.
YoungArts accepts applications from young artists in the categories of Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice and Writing for its national competition. Artists age 15-18 or in grades 10-12 may apply to win cash awards and scholarships and the chance to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
- Individual awards of up to $10,000 are available.
- The 2022 YoungArts application will open summer 2021.
- Sign up for application updates and tips.
Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter of the Year Music Scholarships
These scholarships are available to members of the Tri-M® Music Honor Society, a program of NAfME. The scholarship program offers scholarship money for summer study programs to chapters that win one of three recognitions at the national level in each division: senior (high school) and junior (middle school). Scholarship money is awarded by the advisors of the winning chapters to deserving students.
- Open only to members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
- Apply now! Winners have the chance to win up to $1,000 in scholarship funds for summer music study.
- Deadline: April 30
Schmidt Vocal Competition winners who choose to pursue a career in music may be eligible for need-based scholarship assistance to their college or university of choice.
- Singers who are first-, second-, or third-place winners of Schmidt Vocal Arts national competitions
- A committee reviews need by evaluating a family’s ability to pay
- Students are expected to major in Vocal Performance and maintain a 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
- Schmidt prefers to provide “last-in” funding. In other words, the student has secured nearly all the necessary tuition through other sources.
Learn more about Schmidt Vocal Scholarships.
Acoustical Society of America International Year of Sound Student Competition
Competition for students aged 13 to 18 years old – Students are asked to write a stanza of 4 verses in mother tongue and/or in English, inspired by the melody and the refrain of the song “The Sound Of The World” as well as by the motto of IYS2020 “Importance of Sound for Society and the World.”
- Cash prizes to three U.S. finalists from each category for a total of 6 winners: 1st $200 (for each category); 2nd $150 (for each category); 3rd $100 (for each category).
- Deadline April 30, 2021
- Learn more here
Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarships for California/Bay Area Students
The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in the California/Bay Area. Three winners will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians based on their submissions and awarded $1,000 each to further their music studies. The competition will culminate with the winners performing alongside some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians April 24, 2021.
The students that aren’t finalists are invited to join a database of students invited to FREE ballroom workshops. In addition, the winners’ respective schools will also receive $500 to support the ongoing development of their music programs.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Bay Area high school program, between the ages of 14–18
- Deadline: December 13, 2020. Winners announced January 8, 2021.
Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge
The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts partnering with the American Theatre Wing and in collaboration with Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, iHeartRadio Broadway, and NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. The Songwriting Challenge is a national competition for high school students who have a passion for writing songs that could be part of a musical theater production and the wide range of musical styles represented in contemporary musical theater including hip-hop, rock, R&B, country, jazz, and more.
Students for the Songwriting Challenge will be selected from across the country and paired with mentors working professionally in musical theatre to develop their songs into Broadway-stage-ready compositions, via video chats and working sessions. Students’ songs will be professionally recorded by Broadway artists in New York City. The songs will included on a digital album on all major streaming services, and broadcast on iHeartRadio Broadway, as well as published in a songbook by Concord Theatricals.
- The application portal for the 2021 Songwriting Challenge is now open. Deadline is May 17.
- Learn more
Southern California High School students of ALL skill levels are encouraged to apply for FREE. Much more than a competition, Spotlight is a scholarship and arts training program, which empowers students by emphasizing preparation, courage, critical thinking and perseverance while providing an invaluable opportunity for students to hone their skills! $100,000 in cash scholarships are awarded each year to students. Personalized feedback, master classes with world renowned artists, performing arts workshops and more!
- Applications are now closed. Check back in June 2020 for new applications.
Coastal Concerts may award scholarships of up to $1,500 each to High School students, and up to $1,000 each to Middle School students residing in the Delmarva Peninsula, one of whom in each category must be a resident of Sussex County. Students will be competing only against those in their own age group. The scholarships awarded will be based upon performance. Scholarships may be used for music camps, university courses, instrument purchase/repair, or music lessons. The scholarship application period runs from November 15, 2020, to February 15, 2021. Scholarship decisions are made by early March.
- Deadline: February 15, 2021
Community Service/Extracurricular Activities Oriented-Scholarships
The Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award
The Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open only to residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and the US territories who are at least sixteen (16) years old at the time of entry. Entrants must also be high school senior students who will be or college students who are enrolled at least half-time in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree program or graduate program at an eligible school within one (1) year of winner notification/confirmation or parent/legal guardians of students that satisfy the above eligibility requirements.
- Throughout the year, 12 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.
- Click here for a list of deadlines occurring throughout the year
SYTA Youth Foundation “Road” Scholarship
Students planning educational travel programs but needing financial assistance can apply for a “Road” Scholarship offered by the SYTA Youth Foundation, Inc. (SYF). The SYF provides scholarships three times a year. Music directors, teachers, principals, and other youth leaders can submit nominations.
- All Road Scholarship nominations are required to be submitted by an educator, program leader, or designated school official for students in grades K-12 and 18 years of age or younger. Please note that the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) will not consider nominations submitted by parents and/or guardians.
- Awards up to $1,000 are available.
- Application opens February 8, 2021, and closes March 29, 2021.
Scholarships for High School Seniors
Music-Related Scholarships
Marine Band Concerto Competition
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and NAfME, announces the Marine Band Concerto Competition for high school musicians.
-
Next competition application opens May 2021.
Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition
The scholarship competition is open to high school seniors from Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana who plan to pursue degrees in music (classical, jazz, or other) at an accredited four-year college with a music program recognized by the National Association of Schools of Music, or a conservatory with a widely recognized national profile such as The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, or the New England Conservatory.
- First prize is $20,000; second prize is $12,500; and third prize is $7,500.
- As part of the application process, students are required to submit an audition video. Semi-finalists will be invited to perform in a daylong celebration of music at Walk Festival Hall in Jackson Hole on Saturday, June 6, 2020, where they will compete for the scholarship prize money in front of GTMF’s panel of renowned judges and a live audience.
- Deadline: April 30, 2021, 11:59 PM MDT
Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Scholarship
This award is given to graduating high school seniors or first-year college students who intend to make music a central part of their future life.
- Applicants submit audition CDs or tapes; finalists compete in Clarinda, Iowa; and 3 instrumentalists and 3 vocalists are chosen to perform at the Glenn Miller Festival. Winners receive up to $4,500.
- Deadline: June 10, 2021
School Band & Orchestra Magazine Essay Scholarship
This scholarship offers prize money to students who write an essay of 250 words or less on a music theme. The deadline for the 21st annual essay contest is December 31, 2020.
- Selected students win a $1,000 scholarship and music products for their school music program.
- Public and private school students in grades 4–12 are eligible.
The Davidson Fellowship is open to students who can demonstrate noteworthy achievements through the creation of a “significant piece of work” aimed at improving the lives of others in several subject areas, including music. A “significant piece of work” in music would be an exemplary performance and/or another demonstration of extraordinary accomplishment.
- Awards are granted in the amount of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000.
- Applicants must be under the age of 18 to be eligible for this award.
- The 2022 application will be available this fall.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Scholarship
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation provides funds to select seniors from Cleveland and New York City public high schools who intend to study music or the business of music at the college level. Scholarships are awarded based on personal essays. The scholarships total $50,000 with the monies split evenly between Cleveland and New York.
- General applications deadline: March 15, 2021
- Corporate/Group applications deadline: April 15, 2021
- Renewal requirements: April 1, 2021
VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, ages 14-25, are recognized by the VSA International Young Soloists Competition. The Kennedy Center selects up to four winners from around the world. Applicants can apply as an instrumental or vocal soloist, or as ensembles. The competition is open to all genres. Selected musicians win a $2,500 prize, professional development activities, and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Any musician with a disability is eligible to apply as either a domestic applicant or an international applicant. The competition is open to soloists as well as ensembles of up to five members. For ensembles to be eligible, at least one musician must have a disability, and all members must be between the ages of 14-25.
All genres of music are accepted, including but not limited to classical, jazz, hip-hop, rap, rock/alt rock, pop, indie, bluegrass, folk, country, R&B/blues, Latin, and World
Deadline: March 15, 2021
Application information can be found on the VSA website.
YoungArts accepts applications from young artists in the categories of Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice and Writing for its national competition. Artists age 15-18 or in grades 10-12 may apply to win cash awards and scholarships and the chance to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
- Individual awards of up to $10,000 are available.
- The 2022 YoungArts application will open summer 2021.
- Sign up for application updates and tips.
CBC Spouses Heineken USA Performing Arts Scholarship Competition
This scholarship fund is operated by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and offers scholarship funds to highly motivated students who plan to attend, or are currently attending, an accredited college or university or are pursuing a career in the performing arts.
- Deadline: April 3, 2021 (applications open January 4, 2021)
Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter of the Year Music Scholarships
These scholarships are available to members of the Tri-M® Music Honor Society, a program of NAfME. The scholarship program offers scholarship money for summer study programs to chapters that win one of three recognitions at the national level in each division: senior (high school) and junior (middle school). Scholarship money is awarded by the advisors of the winning chapters to deserving students.
- Open only to members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
- Apply now! Winners have the chance to win up to $1,000 in scholarship funds for summer music study.
- Deadline: April 30
Schmidt Vocal Competition winners who choose to pursue a career in music may be eligible for need-based scholarship assistance to their college or university of choice.
- Singers who are first-, second-, or third-place winners of Schmidt Vocal Arts national competitions
- A committee reviews need by evaluating a family’s ability to pay
- Students are expected to major in Vocal Performance and maintain a 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
- Schmidt prefers to provide “last-in” funding. In other words, the student has secured nearly all the necessary tuition through other sources.
Learn more about Schmidt Vocal Scholarships.
Acoustical Society of America International Year of Sound Student Competition
Competition for students aged 13 to 18 years old – Students are asked to write a stanza of 4 verses in mother tongue and/or in English, inspired by the melody and the refrain of the song “The Sound Of The World” as well as by the motto of IYS2020 “Importance of Sound for Society and the World.”
- Cash prizes to three U.S. finalists from each category for a total of 6 winners: 1st $200 (for each category); 2nd $150 (for each category); 3rd $100 (for each category).
- Deadline April 30, 2021
- Learn more here
Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarships for California/Bay Area Students
The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in the California/Bay Area. Three winners will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians based on their submissions and awarded $1,000 each to further their music studies. The competition will culminate with the winners performing alongside some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians April 24, 2021.
The students that aren’t finalists are invited to join a database of students invited to FREE ballroom workshops. In addition, the winners’ respective schools will also receive $500 to support the ongoing development of their music programs.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Bay Area high school program, between the ages of 14–18
- Deadline: December 13, 2020. Winners announced January 8, 2021.
Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge
The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts partnering with the American Theatre Wing and in collaboration with Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, iHeartRadio Broadway, and NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. The Songwriting Challenge is a national competition for high school students who have a passion for writing songs that could be part of a musical theater production and the wide range of musical styles represented in contemporary musical theater including hip-hop, rock, R&B, country, jazz, and more.
Students for the Songwriting Challenge will be selected from across the country and paired with mentors working professionally in musical theatre to develop their songs into Broadway-stage-ready compositions, via video chats and working sessions. Students’ songs will be professionally recorded by Broadway artists in New York City. The songs will included on a digital album on all major streaming services, and broadcast on iHeartRadio Broadway, as well as published in a songbook by Concord Theatricals.
- The application portal for the 2021 Songwriting Challenge is now open. Deadline is May 17.
- Learn more
Southern California High School students of ALL skill levels are encouraged to apply for FREE. Much more than a competition, Spotlight is a scholarship and arts training program, which empowers students by emphasizing preparation, courage, critical thinking and perseverance while providing an invaluable opportunity for students to hone their skills! $100,000 in cash scholarships are awarded each year to students. Personalized feedback, master classes with world renowned artists, performing arts workshops and more!
- Deadline: October 14
- Each category is limited to 400 applicants
Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition
The Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program (YYPA) recognizes outstanding young musicians from the world of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Winners of this competition will be invited to attend an all-expense paid weekend at the Music for All™ Summer Symposium, receive a once in a lifetime performance opportunity in front of thousands, national press coverage, receive a recording and photos of the live performance, and participate in workshops designed to launch a professional music career. Winners also will enjoy many of the privileges of a Yamaha Artist, including services and communication with Yamaha’s Artist Relations department.
- The 2020 winners have been announced.
- The very difficult decision has been made to cancel the 2021 YYPA Competition and look forward with great anticipation to the 2022 YYPA Competition. We plan to extend the age limit by one year for the 2022 Competition. Please check back for official updates and 2022 competition rules in summer of 2021.
Lift Up Our Voices Scholarship
The Lift Up Our Voices Scholarship focuses on broadening the number of female-identifying students and students of color in the field of music composition. This $3,500 scholarship is eligible to candidates who fit these criteria.
- Deadline: May 15, 2021.
Musicians Making a Difference Scholarship
Pearl is proud to announce the “Musicians Making A Difference” college scholarship initiative that will award $10,000 annually in the amount of two $5,000 scholarships to high school musicians who have demonstrated the ability to change themselves, their community, and those around them. A diverse panel of Pearl staff and artists will select recipients based on the student’s contributions to their community, and not their playing or vocal ability. Our objective is to reward and inspire the youth that will shape tomorrow. We look forward to the engagement and interaction with all who share our goals. Learn about eligibility requirements.
- Deadline: July 5, 2021
Big Arts Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship
BIG ARTS offers a Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship Award Program to high school seniors who are planning to study the arts or to students who are currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.Scholarships are available to students who have professional goals to pursue visual arts, music, dance, theater, literary arts or film. The purpose of the award program is to encourage artistic development in students.
- To apply or learn more about the BIG ARTS 2020 Scholarship Award Program, go to www.bigarts.org or call the BIG ARTS office at 239-395-0900.
- Deadline: March 19, 2021
Lessons in Your Home Scholarship
The Lessons In Your Home Scholarship is open to prospective and enrolled college students (high school seniors who are 18 are also welcome). A $500 scholarship is being awarded for the Fall of 2022. This scholarship can only be used for educational expenses including tuition, books, rooming, and other appropriate expenses.
- Deadline: March 25, 2022 (winner to be notified April 12, 2022)
Coastal Concerts may award scholarships of up to $1,500 each to High School students, and up to $1,000 each to Middle School students residing in the Delmarva Peninsula, one of whom in each category must be a resident of Sussex County. Students will be competing only against those in their own age group. The scholarships awarded will be based upon performance. Scholarships may be used for music camps, university courses, instrument purchase/repair, or music lessons. The scholarship application period runs from November 15, 2020, to February 15, 2021. Scholarship decisions are made by early March.
- Deadline: February 15, 2021
Community Service/Extracurricular Activities Oriented Scholarships
Arlington Capital Management Scholarship
Arlington Capital Management Scholarship has been instituted to encourage and motivate young minds to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and it would be awarded to the most deserving candidate who comes up with a brilliant, power-packed, and innovative essay. All submissions should reach Arlington Capital within the prescribed deadline. Arlington Capital Management reserves the right to decide who would be the winner of this prized scholarship. All submissions would be meticulously scrutinized by the authorities and the most impressive essay with innovative and ground-breaking ideas would be considered.
- One-time prize-money of $1,000 that is non-returnable.
- Deadline: March 1, 2021
- Recipient announced on March 15, 2021.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards a total of $3.4 million annually in achievement-based, four-year scholarships to 250 outstanding high school seniors from communities across the U.S. Students will be selected based on their leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, character, motivation to succeed, and community service.
- 200 Regional Scholarships of $10,000 each and 50 National Scholarships of $20,000 each will be rewarded.
- Deadline: October 31 (applications reopen on August 1)
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Sponsored in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, these awards honor young people in grades 5 through 12 who have volunteered in their communities. This award program is the country’s largest volunteer recognition program for young people.
- Deadline: November 10
The scholarship application period will occur once a year from May 1st to August 1st. Complete the following form within the designated application period.
- Applications will reopen May 2021.
SYTA Youth Foundation “Road” Scholarship
Students planning educational travel programs but needing financial assistance can apply for a “Road” Scholarship offered by the SYTA Youth Foundation, Inc. (SYF). The SYF provides scholarships three times a year. Music directors, teachers, principals, and other youth leaders can submit nominations.
- All Road Scholarship nominations are required to be submitted by an educator, program leader, or designated school official for students in grades K-12 and 18 years of age or younger. Please note that the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) will not consider nominations submitted by parents and/or guardians.
- Awards up to $1,000 are available.
- Application opens February 8, 2021, and closes March 29, 2021.
Scholarships for Marching Musicians
The following organizations offer resources for marching musicians who are looking for college funds.
- Music for All: provides music scholarships including the Revelli Fund for students planning to complete a music degree
- Winter Guard International: provides funds to select annual WGI World Championships participants
- Women Band Directors International: offers scholarships from $300 to $500 to women who plan to complete a degree in instrumental music
This list is courtesy of Halftime magazine. For more information, see the article “Get Paid to March” in the March/April 2008 issue.
Scholarships for College Students
Music-Related Scholarships
BMI John Lennon Songwriting Program
The John Lennon Scholarships are an annual competition open to student songwriters and composers of contemporary musical genres including alternative, pop, rock, indie, electronica, R&B, and experimental. Through the generosity of Ono and Gibson Musical Instruments, three scholarships totaling $20,000 are presented annually for the best original songs submitted to the competition. Applicants must be U.S. college students between the ages of 17 and 24. Works are judged by a prestigious panel of music publishers, songwriters, musicians, and executives.
- Through the generosity of Ono and Gibson Musical Instruments, three scholarships totaling $20,000 are presented annually for the best original songs in any musical genre.
- Deadline: January 22, 2021.
- See the BMI Contest page for more information.
Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship
The Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship was created by Shannon’s family and friends in coordination with the National Association for Music Education to honor her exemplary life and her love of teaching music.
- The scholarship award is open to graduating seniors at Syracuse University and University of Florida who are receiving a degree in Music Education and who will be teaching music or pursuing an advanced degree in music after graduation.
- Scholarship will be awarded prior to graduation.
- The scholarship award is open to current members of NAfME Collegiate, who have been nominated for the NAfME Collegiate Professional Achievement Recognition. The award recipient will be chosen from this group of nominees.
Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Scholarship
This award is given to graduating high school seniors or first-year college students who intend to make music a central part of their future life.
- Applicants submit audition CDs or tapes; finalists compete in Clarinda, Iowa; and 3 instrumentalists and 3 vocalists are chosen to perform at the Glenn Miller Festival. Winners receive up to $4,000.
- Deadline: June 10, 2021
Great Value Colleges Music Scholarship for Black Students
Great Value Colleges has developed a scholarship that is available for black undergraduate or graduate students who are majoring or minoring in music. Whether you are pursuing a degree in music performance, music education, music therapy, or some other type of music major, we invite you to apply for our twice yearly $5,000 scholarship.
- Application Deadlines: July 30 (fall award); November 30 (spring award).
- More information about the scholarship application process
VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, ages 14-25, are recognized by the VSA International Young Soloists Competition. The Kennedy Center selects up to four winners from around the world. Applicants can apply as an instrumental or vocal soloist, or as ensembles. The competition is open to all genres. Selected musicians win a $2,500 prize, professional development activities, and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Any musician with a disability is eligible to apply as either a domestic applicant or an international applicant. The competition is open to soloists as well as ensembles of up to five members. For ensembles to be eligible, at least one musician must have a disability, and all members must be between the ages of 14-25.
All genres of music are accepted, including but not limited to classical, jazz, hip-hop, rap, rock/alt rock, pop, indie, bluegrass, folk, country, R&B/blues, Latin, and World
Deadline: March 15, 2021
Application information can be found on the VSA website.
CBC Spouses Heineken USA Performing Arts Scholarship Competition
This scholarship fund is operated by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and offers scholarship funds to highly motivated students who plan to attend, or are currently attending, an accredited college or university or are pursuing a career in the performing arts.
- Deadline: April 3, 2021 (applications open January 4, 2021)
Top of the Rock Peggy Gram Scholarship Fund
The Top of the Rock Peggy Gram Scholarship Fund provides scholarships specifically to women involved in Music Education or Vocal Performance Education at the secondary level to assist in the furtherance of their music education. Women who have completed at least one semester at the university level achieving at least 12 credits are eligible to apply for the scholarship to be awarded annually in the spring for the subsequent academic year.
- Deadline: April 15, 2021
Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition
The Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program (YYPA) recognizes outstanding young musicians from the world of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Winners of this competition will be invited to attend an all-expense paid weekend at the Music for All™ Summer Symposium, receive a once in a lifetime performance opportunity in front of thousands, national press coverage, receive a recording and photos of the live performance, and participate in workshops designed to launch a professional music career. Winners also will enjoy many of the privileges of a Yamaha Artist, including services and communication with Yamaha’s Artist Relations department.
- The 2020 winners have been announced.
- The very difficult decision has been made to cancel the 2021 YYPA Competition and look forward with great anticipation to the 2022 YYPA Competition. We plan to extend the age limit by one year for the 2022 Competition. Please check back for official updates and 2022 competition rules in summer of 2021.
Big Arts Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship
BIG ARTS offers a Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship Award Program to high school seniors who are planning to study the arts or to students who are currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.Scholarships are available to students who have professional goals to pursue visual arts, music, dance, theater, literary arts or film. The purpose of the award program is to encourage artistic development in students.
- To apply or learn more about the BIG ARTS 2020 Scholarship Award Program, go to www.bigarts.org or call the BIG ARTS office at 239-395-0900.
- Deadline: March 19, 2021
House of Blues Music Forward Foundation
Music Forward transforms lives, inspires careers and champions a more inclusive music industry. Focusing on young people from under-served communities, Music Forward sets the stage for success by providing workshops, showcases, scholarships, and internships to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders and innovators.
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A total of four $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music business and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- Applications open January 2021
Lift Up Our Voices Scholarship
The Lift Up Our Voices Scholarship focuses on broadening the number of female-identifying students and students of color in the field of music composition. This $3,500 scholarship is eligible to candidates who fit these criteria.
- Deadline: May 15, 2021.
Musicians Making a Difference Scholarship
Pearl is proud to announce the “Musicians Making A Difference” college scholarship initiative that will award $10,000 annually in the amount of two $5,000 scholarships to high school musicians who have demonstrated the ability to change themselves, their community, and those around them. A diverse panel of Pearl staff and artists will select recipients based on the student’s contributions to their community, and not their playing or vocal ability. Our objective is to reward and inspire the youth that will shape tomorrow. We look forward to the engagement and interaction with all who share our goals. Learn about eligibility requirements.
- Deadline: July 5, 2021
Lessons in Your Home Scholarship
The Lessons In Your Home Scholarship is open to prospective and enrolled college students. A $500 scholarship is being awarded for the Fall of 2022. This scholarship can only be used for educational expenses including tuition, books, rooming, and other appropriate expenses.
- Deadline: March 25, 2022 (winner to be notified April 12, 2022)
Community Service/Extracurricular Activities Oriented Scholarships
SYTA Youth Foundation “Road” Scholarship
Students planning educational travel programs but needing financial assistance can apply for a “Road” Scholarship offered by the SYTA Youth Foundation, Inc. (SYF). The SYF provides scholarships three times a year. Music directors, teachers, principals, and other youth leaders can submit nominations.
- All Road Scholarship nominations are required to be submitted by an educator, program leader, or designated school official for students in grades K-12 and 18 years of age or younger. Please note that the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) will not consider nominations submitted by parents and/or guardians.
- Awards up to $1,000 are available.
- Deadlines: March 20, October 23
The scholarship application period will occur once a year from May 1st to August 1st. Complete the following form within the designated application period.
- Applications will reopen May 2021.
Other Scholarships
AdvertiseMint Facebook Advertising Scholarship
The AdvertiseMint Advertising and Marketing Scholarship Program was created to help students jump start their businesses while in school by utilizing Facebook advertising.
- Scholarship submission due by October 31.
- Winning submission selected by November 29.
A $1,500 scholarship will be given annually to a selected college student who currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elder population. Any existing student (or incoming freshman), in good academic standing, at a 2- or 4-year accredited college can apply for this scholarship. And the recipient will demonstrate a unique and admirable understanding and desire to show us that “Aging Matters” to them.
- Deadline Date: May 15th, 2021
- Selection Date: June 15th, 2021
2021 Alfred Nash Patterson grants
Grants may be used in a wide variety of ways to support choruses and choral singing, such as to help fund a performance, to commission new choral works, to enable outreach activities, and for seminars or other special activities that broadly benefit the choral community. We encourage ambitious and collaborative projects, and generally will happily consider applications for well-considered projects conducted more than one year in the future, to allow time for planning. Criteria for funding are described below.
- Grants will be made in amounts up to $2,500.
- Deadline: February 28, 2021
Helpful Links
State Music Educators Association Scholarships
Some state music educators associations offer scholarships to high school or college music students. Visit the NAfME Federated State Associations page and click on your state MEA website to check for opportunities.
Scholarship Search Engines & Databases
Includes a list of music scholarships and grants of up to $10,000.
Develops a “customized profile” to match applicants with potential scholarships.
NOTE: This website DOES have a marketing angle. You will be asked if you would like to receive information, or have your name provided to their supporters for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to receive any marketing information, simply click on all “no thank you” options. NAfME cannot be held responsible for any marketing contact you may receive through the use of this website.
This article introduces dozens of college scholarships for women, including scholarships for Black women, scholarships for single mothers, and scholarships for Hispanic women.
Provides a customized profile for information on college choices, available Federal loans and scholarship opportunities.
The College Board’s Scholarship Search
An online tool that locates scholarships, internships, grants, and loans to match education level, talents, and background criteria entered through a questionnaire.
Are you left-handed? Do you have a prom outfit made out of duct tape? Check out these unusual scholarships — who knows what you might find!
Provides a free scholarship search to provide customized scholarship leads.
U. S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Financial Aid
Information on steps in the financial aid process; includes a “scholarship match wizard” to help you find scholarships that fit your interests.
A comprehensive guide to financial aid, military aid, and loans. Includes a guide to filling out financial aid paperwork.
International Education Financial Aid
Search for scholarships and grants to fund study abroad programs.
The BMI Foundation is a non-profit that supports music study and performance through various awards and scholarships.
ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) offers a variety of songwriting contests, some of which award cash prizes. The ASCAP Foundation offers a list of music-related awards and scholarships.
Scholarship Help
NPR’s All Things Considered explored in a week-long series in May 2005, how American families of various financial means—and in different stages of life—are figuring out how to finance higher education.
Students and Financial Literacy
Covers topics like need vs. merit-based scholarships, the intricacies of student loans, planning for life after college and much more.
