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.
This page will be updated for the coming school year soon.
Browse Scholarships
Click on a category below to browse the scholarships:
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, is pleased to announce its Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is open for applications. The winner will appear as a guest soloist with the Marine Chamber Orchestra and receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Second and third-place winners will receive $1,000 and $500 scholarships respectively.
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.
- Selected students win a $1,000 scholarship and music products for their school music program.
- Public and private school students in ANY type of public, charter, or private k-12 school instrumental or vocal program are eligible.
Davidson Fellows
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 2026 application will open in the Fall of 2025.
Access/VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, ages 14-25, are recognized by the Access/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 $2,000 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.
- Applications for the 2025 program are closed. Please check back in September 2025 for details on the 2026 program.
National YoungArts Foundation
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 2026 YoungArts application opens in July 2025.
Schmidt Vocal Scholarships
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.
Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarships for California Students
Three winners will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians based on their submissions and awarded $500 each to further their music studies as well as hired for at least three paid performances as part of JATB events. The total value of the award is $1000.
The students that aren’t finalists are invited to join a database of students invited to free workshops.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a California high school program and be between the ages of 14–18.
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.
- Follow the NEA on Facebook or Instagram for more information.
- Learn more
The Music Center’s Spotlight
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!
- New applications will be available June 2025.
Flying Musicians Association – FMA Solo Program/Scholarship
Musician: a person who writes, sings or plays music.
Calling high school student musicians with a passion to learn to fly. There are specific skills and characteristics establish in student musicians: practice, timing, and perfection along with hand eye coordination, multi-tasking, listening, and working closely with others. Musicians are taught to practice for perfection in order to perform at a very high level of accuracy. These are traits you also find in good pilots.
The Flying Musicians Association, Inc (FMA) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization for pilot/musicians. The annual FMA Solo program for junior and senior high school music students is unique. Students must be nominated by their music director/teacher for the program which includes a FREE membership into the ever-expanding network of pilot/musicians from around the world who have the ability to inspire, motivate, encourage, and assist in achieving goals in academics, aviation, and music. FMs share passions to expand opportunities.
Recipients will receive funds to assist in flight training and help them go from zero time to solo. Training materials and equipment donated by members and sponsors is also included. FMA will familiarize the recipient with the aviation community, the obstacles of training, and other opportunities to assist in achieving their dream of flight.
- Nomination deadline January 31st
- Nominee must be 16 years old by March 31st of the year award is given
- Awards announced May 1st
- Parental approval required under 18 years old
- Details and journals from past recipients
Coastal Concerts Scholarships
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. Scholarship decisions are made by early March and the awards are given at the last concert of the season in April.
- The scholarship application period runs from November 15th to February 15th each year.
Kingston Chamber Music Festival URI Summer Music Academy Scholarship
The Kingston Chamber Music Festival at the URI Summer Music Academy Scholarship was established in 2024 to support a student from Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Massachusetts with full funding to attend two weeks of the URI Summer Music Academy, including room and board. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a high level of technical and artistic achievement, dedication to their craft, and aspirations to further elevate their study of music.
Learn more about the Kingston Chamber Music Festival and URI Summer Music Academy.
- Eligible grades 7-12th
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
- View scholarship application
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.
- Fall application opens September 22, 2025, and closes November 7, 2025.
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, is pleased to announce its Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is open for applications. The winner will appear as a guest soloist with the Marine Chamber Orchestra and receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Second and third-place winners will receive $1,000 and $500 scholarships respectively.
Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition
Grand Teton Music Festival Annual Scholarship Competition. The Grand Teton Music Festival presents its eighth annual Scholarship Competition named for its Music Director, Sir Donald Runnicles. The competition is open to High School seniors in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho who interested in attending college for music. The first round begins with a pre-screening video audition and online application. From these audition videos, GTMF will select 6 semi-finalists to travel to Jackson, WY to perform in Walk Festival Hall for a panel of professional orchestra musician judges, including Maestro Runnicles himself. Three finalists will be chosen to compete for $50,000 in scholarship awards.
- Deadline to apply: Monday, May 5, 2025
- Monday, June 2: Applicants notified of the first-round results
- Saturday, July 26: Scholarship Competition Semi-Finals
- Sunday, July 27: Scholarship Competition Finals
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.
- Applicants upload videos to YouTube; top 10 semi-finalists in each category compete in Clarinda, Iowa; and 3 instrumentalists and 3 vocalists are chosen to perform at the Glenn Miller Festival.
- First prize is $3,000; second prize is $2,000; and third prize is $1,000.
- Deadline to apply: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
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.
- Selected students win a $1,000 scholarship and music products for their school music program.
- Public and private school students in ANY type of public, charter, or private k-12 school instrumental or vocal program are eligible.
Davidson Fellows
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 2026 application will open in the Fall of 2025.
Hartford Jazz Society (HJS) Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded annually with an award value between $1000.00 and $3000.00 depending on the number of applicants and the quality of submissions. Scholarships are paid directly to the student, who must provide HJS with a completed W-9 form. The HJS does not require live auditions.
- Deadline to apply: June 1
HJS Scholarship Selection Criteria:
- Graduating high school senior
- Connecticut Capitol Region resident
- Attending a four-year college or university
- Music major with interest in jazz
- Talent as judged by a panel
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.
Access/VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, ages 14-25, are recognized by the Access/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 $2,000 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.
- Applications for the 2025 program are closed. Please check back in September 2025 for details on the 2026 program.
National YoungArts Foundation
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 2026 YoungArts application opens in July 2025.
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.
J.W. Pepper 150th Anniversary Music Scholarships
J.W. Pepper is celebrating its 150-year journey supporting music education by offering the J.W. Pepper 150th Anniversary Scholarship Program. This landmark program awards over $150,000 in college scholarships to empower aspiring musicians to pursue their dream of becoming music teachers. The awards include fifty-two $3,000 scholarships—one recipient in each state, Washington D.C., and the combined U.S. territories. The top-rated recipient will receive a $10,000 award.
Each scholarship applicant must be entering their first year as a full-time student in the fall semester with a major in music education. As Pepper commemorates our rich 150-year legacy, we invite students from every corner of the nation to participate in this extraordinary opportunity.
- Applications closed January 31, 2025. Please check back for information regarding the 2026 applications.
Schmidt Vocal Scholarships
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.
Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarships for California Students
Three winners will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians based on their submissions and awarded $500 each to further their music studies as well as hired for at least three paid performances as part of JATB events. The total value of the award is $1000. The students that aren’t finalists are invited to join a database of students invited to free workshops.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a California high school program and be between the ages of 14–18.
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.
- Follow the NEA on Facebook or Instagram for more information.
- Learn more
The Music Center’s Spotlight
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!
- New applications will be available June 2025.
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.
- 2026 information coming soon.
Montana: American Indian Music Scholarships
As Montana’s only nonprofit community music school, North Valley Music School founded this scholarship to encourage the pursuit of music education, provide philanthropic funding for American Indians and indigenous communities, and enable broader public awareness of the diverse musical contributions of Montana’s American Indians to the culture of our state and region. We seek to honor and award such individuals as role models of citizenship, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the arts.
- Two $500 scholarships to be used for any need
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 to apply: May 15, 2025
Southeastern Performance Apparel Music Education Scholarship
The Southeastern Performance Apparel Music Education Scholarship is a nomination-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors that intend to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education at an accredited university or college. Students are recognized as highly motivated, difference-makers with a dedication and desire to lead, serve and teach.
- Each year two recipients are selected to each receive the $1,000 scholarship.
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.
- 2025 applications TBA
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.
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). This scholarship can only be used for educational expenses including tuition, books, rooming, and other appropriate expenses.
- The 2025 application is closed. Please check back for information regarding the 2026 applications.
Flying Musicians Association – FMA Solo Program/Scholarship
Musician: a person who writes, sings or plays music.
Calling high school student musicians with a passion to learn to fly. There are specific skills and characteristics establish in student musicians: practice, timing, and perfection along with hand eye coordination, multi-tasking, listening, and working closely with others. Musicians are taught to practice for perfection in order to perform at a very high level of accuracy. These are traits you also find in good pilots.
The Flying Musicians Association, Inc (FMA) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization for pilot/musicians. The annual FMA Solo program for junior and senior high school music students is unique. Students must be nominated by their music director/teacher for the program which includes a FREE membership into the ever-expanding network of pilot/musicians from around the world who have the ability to inspire, motivate, encourage, and assist in achieving goals in academics, aviation, and music. FMs share passions to expand opportunities.
Recipients will receive funds to assist in flight training and help them go from zero time to solo. Training materials and equipment donated by members and sponsors is also included. FMA will familiarize the recipient with the aviation community, the obstacles of training, and other opportunities to assist in achieving their dream of flight.
- Nomination deadline January 31st
- Nominee must be 16 years old by March 31st of the year award is given
- Awards announced May 1st
- Parental approval required under 18 years old
- Details and journals from past recipients
Coastal Concerts Scholarships
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. Scholarship decisions are made by early March and the awards are given at the last concert of the season in April.
- The scholarship application period runs from November 15th to February 15th each year.
Community Service/Extracurricular Activities Oriented-Scholarships
CBC Spouses Education Scholarship
This opportunity awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated full-time African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees in a variety of fields.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
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.
- The 2026 application (for high school students graduating in the 2025-2026 academic year) will open on August 1, 2025.
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.
- Fall application opens September 22, 2025, and closes November 7, 2025.
Kingston Chamber Music Festival URI Summer Music Academy Scholarship
The Kingston Chamber Music Festival at the URI Summer Music Academy Scholarship was established in 2024 to support a student from Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Massachusetts with full funding to attend two weeks of the URI Summer Music Academy, including room and board. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a high level of technical and artistic achievement, dedication to their craft, and aspirations to further elevate their study of music.
Learn more about the Kingston Chamber Music Festival and URI Summer Music Academy.
- Eligible grades 7-12th
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
- View scholarship application
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.
- See the BMI Contest page for more information.
- 2026 applications TBD.
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 available to graduating seniors from any higher education institution pursuing a degree in music education and planning to teach or pursue an advanced degree in music.
- 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.
- Applicants upload videos to YouTube; top 10 semi-finalists in each category compete in Clarinda, Iowa; and 3 instrumentalists and 3 vocalists are chosen to perform at the Glenn Miller Festival.
- First prize is $3,000; second prize is $2,000; and third prize is $1,000.
- Deadline to apply: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Access/VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities, ages 14-25, are recognized by the Access/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 $2,000 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.
- Applications for the 2025 program are closed. Please check back in September 2025 for details on the 2026 program.
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.
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.
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.
- 2026 information coming soon.
Montana: American Indian Music Scholarships
As Montana’s only nonprofit community music school, North Valley Music School founded this scholarship to encourage the pursuit of music education, provide philanthropic funding for American Indians and indigenous communities, and enable broader public awareness of the diverse musical contributions of Montana’s American Indians to the culture of our state and region. We seek to honor and award such individuals as role models of citizenship, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the arts.
- Two $500 scholarships to be used for any need
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.
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.
- 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 in January.
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 to apply: May 15, 2025
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.
- 2025 applications TBA
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). This scholarship can only be used for educational expenses including tuition, books, rooming, and other appropriate expenses.
- The 2025 application is closed. Please check back for information regarding the 2026 applications.
Native Launchpad
Native Launchpad is the cornerstone program of Advancing Indigenous Performance (AIP), Western Arts Alliance’s national initiative to create new touring and presentation opportunities for US-based Indigenous performing artists. Four awardees will each receive direct financial and travel support, mentoring/coaching, career development and promotional benefits over three years — a package valued at $40,000. Applications, which are open to Native performing artists residing in the US and territories.
Women Band Directors International
WBDI college scholarships are given annually to women enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate instrumental music program, with the intent of becoming a band director. Applications are accepted from September 1st through November 1st each year.
Community Service/Extracurricular Activities Oriented-Scholarships
CBCF NREI Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholarship
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) HBCU Social Justice Scholarships were created to encourage and support the next generation of social justice leaders committed to dismantling systemic barriers and advancing equity, freedom, and justice for all, especially the Black community and racial minorities. The funds will be disbursed on an annual basis to undergraduate, graduate or doctoral level students attending Historically Black Colleges or Universities, pursuing studies related to social justice to include, but not limited to, criminal justice, education, civil rights or community/economic development. Students must demonstrate their interests and experience in social justice, student activism, and/or community service.
CBC Spouses Education Scholarship
This opportunity awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated full-time African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees in a variety of fields.
- Deadline: March 29, 2025
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.
- Fall application opens September 22, 2025, and closes November 7, 2025.
The Propel Center Scholarships
This new scholarship program, directed at HBCU students who are interested in pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice and health, is open to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students alike. Propel Center will donate a total of 100 $10,000 scholarship awards to the winners, an investment that the Center believes will help to transform the nation’s talent pipeline and workforce. The Student Impact Scholarship winners will also have the unique opportunity to participate in work-based learning opportunities with Propel Center’s corporate partners.
To apply for the Propel Student Impact Scholarships, students must complete an online application and may also submit a self-created video or infographic describing how their interest in entrepreneurship, the arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice or health aligns with the Propel Center’s mission. Applicants are encouraged to share their video or infographic submission on a social media platform and tag Propel Center. All video submissions should also be shared via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, while infographics should be shared on the applicant’s Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter channels.
International Alliance for Women in Music: Education Grant
The International Alliance for Women in Music is offering a $300 classroom grant to music educators of students aged 4-18. This grant is to help teachers bring a greater focus on women in music to their students through professional development, materials, commissions, guest artists, or other media. Projects may vary, and we encourage applicants to be as creative as they wish in their proposals. The grant may be used to supplement other funds for a large project.
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 Opens: June 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
- Winner Announced: December 31, 2025
Aging Matters Scholarship
The SeniorCare.com Aging Matters Scholarship is a $1500 scholarship 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.
The SeniorCare.com Aging Matters Scholarship awards $1500 to be applied towards tuition, books, board and other expenses.
- Deadline to apply: May 15th, 2025
- Selection date: June 15th, 2025
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.
- 2025 applications are closed. Check back for information regarding 2026 applications.
Florin|Roebig Scholarship Essay Contest
The law firm of Florin|Roebig knows how valuable higher education can be, not only in shaping society but in helping young people reach their long-term academic and professional goals. For this reason, we’re proud to announce a scholarship contest awarding $1,500.
Award Details:
- First place: $750
- Second place: $500
- Third place: $250
- Scholarship award funds will be sent directly the scholarship winner’s University/College
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 Information and Resources
ASCAP
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.
The BMI Foundation, Inc.
The BMI Foundation is a non-profit that supports music study and performance through various awards and scholarships.
Coding Bootcamp Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
This guide highlights a few of the coding bootcamp scholarships available to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
College Raptor Scholarship Search
College Raptor® is more than just a college planning tool. It’s a whole new way to make smarter decisions about college. We are the only site that offers side-by-side comparisons of estimated financial aid packages along with simplified campus match scores and admission chances.
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.
FastWEB
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.
FinAid
A comprehensive guide to financial aid, military aid, and loans. Includes a guide to filling out financial aid paperwork.
45+ College Scholarships for Minority Students
Published by Purdue University Global, this resource shares upwards of 45 scholarships for students as well as potential graduate students to supplement the cost of education. Also, highlighted within the resource are opportunities dedicated to specific demographics.
“Grants vs. Scholarships: Paying for College with Gift Aid” published by San Joaquin Valley College
International Education Financial Aid
Search for scholarships and grants to fund study abroad programs.
Online Education Database: College Scholarships Database
Includes a list of music scholarships and grants of up to $10,000.
Sallie Mae Scholly Scholarships
Provides a free scholarship search to provide customized scholarship leads.
Scholarships.com
Provides a customized profile for information on college choices, available Federal loans and scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/a Students
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of Hispanic individuals aged 18-24 who were enrolled in postsecondary education programs increased from 22% in 2000 to 36% in 2018. With this increased presence in higher education, the need for grants and scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/Latinx learners continues to grow. To help with this BestColleges.com created a guide to all the top scholarships available for Latino/Latinx students.
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 to women enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate instrumental music program, with the intent of becoming a band director. Applications are accepted from September 1st through November 1st each year.
Scholarships for Music Majors
MajoringinMusic.com has compiled a comprehensive list of scholarships for music majors, along with helpful tips.
Scholarships for Women
This article introduces dozens of college scholarships for women, including scholarships for Black women, scholarships for single mothers, and scholarships for Hispanic women.
Senior Care Careers: What to Know and 12 Scholarships That Can Help
This guide highlights financial aid opportunities for students pursuing healthcare and assisted living professions.
U.S. Department of Education FSA Scholarship Basics and Tips
By following a few tips—such as looking for scholarships everywhere, understanding their criteria, and staying organized—you could be awarded thousands of dollars for school. Though there’s no guarantee you’ll be awarded any money, the effort may be worth it if you’re willing to put in the time.
Unusual Scholarships
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!
Resume Help From Resume Now:
Additional Resources
Scholarship Help
Are Scholarships and Grants Taxable?
This resource from Jackson Hewitt succinctly breaks down how scholarships, grants, and fellowships affect your taxes to help avoid any potential tax filing mishaps.
NPR: Paying for College
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.
