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.

Scholarship application graphic

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. (All materials due Nov. 15, 2023). 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.

  • Deadline to apply: November 15, 2023

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 23rd annual essay contest is March 31, 2024, 10PM CT.

  • 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 2022 application will be available November 1.

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: January 18, 2023
Application information can be found on the VSA website.

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 2025 competition is now open. Deadline to enter: October 17, 2024.
  • Apply now

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.

Learn more about Schmidt Vocal Scholarships.

Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarships for California Students

The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in California. Three winners will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians based on their submissions and awarded $1000 each to further their music studies. The students who aren’t finalists are invited to join a database of students invited to free 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 California high school program, between the ages of 14–18
  • Deadline: December 9, 2022. Winners announced January 27, 2023.

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 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!

  • Deadline: October 17

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.

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. The scholarship application period runs from November 15, 2021, to February 15, 2022. Scholarship decisions are made by early March.

  • Deadline: February 15, 2022

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.
  • Fall application opens September 19, 2022, and closes November 11, 2022.

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. (All materials due Nov. 15, 2023). 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.

  • Deadline to apply: November 15, 2023

Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition

Grand Teton Music Festival Annual Scholarship Competition. The Grand Teton Music Festival presents its fifth 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.

  • First prize is $25,000; second prize is $15,000; and third prize is $10,000.
  • Deadline: Friday, May 6, 2022, 11:59 PM MT
  • The date of the Scholarship Competition Semi-finals and Finals will be Monday, July 11, 2022.

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.
  • Competition scheduled for June 9, 2022

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 23rd annual essay contest is March 31, 2024, 10PM CT.

  • 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 2022 application will be available November 1.

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.

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.

  • General applications deadline: March 15, 2022
  • Corporate/Group applications deadline: April 15, 2022
  • Renewal requirements: April 1, 2022

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: January 18, 2023
Application information can be found on the VSA website.

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 2025 competition is now open. Deadline to enter: October 17, 2024.
  • Apply now

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 30, 2022

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 29

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 2025 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. Students can find additional information by visiting jwpepper.com/scholarships. Scholarship applications will be accepted starting in October 2024.

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.

Learn more about Schmidt Vocal Scholarships.

Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarships for California Students

The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in California. Three winners will be picked by a panel of professional jazz musicians based on their submissions and awarded $1000 each to further their music studies. The students who aren’t finalists are invited to join a database of students invited to free 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 California high school program, between the ages of 14–18
  • Deadline: December 9, 2022. Winners announced January 27, 2023.

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 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!

  • Deadline: October 17

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.

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
  • Application deadline: March 31, 2022

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.

  • 2023 application opens in September

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.

  • Deadline for Teacher Nominations: December 15, 2021
  • Deadline for Student Nominee Application Submissions: February 15, 2022

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: April 15, 2022

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 2022 Scholarship Award Program, go to www.bigarts.org or call the BIG ARTS office at 239-395-0900.
  • Deadline: March 25, 2022

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)

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.

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. The scholarship application period runs from November 15, 2021, to February 15, 2022. Scholarship decisions are made by early March.

  • Deadline: February 15, 2022

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.

  • Deadline: April 30, 2022

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.
  • 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 4

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 19, 2022, and closes November 11, 2022.

Scholarships for Marching Musicians
The following organizations offer resources for marching musicians who are looking for college funds.

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: February 4, 2022
  • 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 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 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.
  • Competition scheduled for June 9, 2022

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.

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: January 18, 2023
  • 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 30, 2022

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.

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
  • Application deadline: March 31, 2022

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 2022 Scholarship Award Program, go to www.bigarts.org or call the BIG ARTS office at 239-395-0900.
  • Deadline: March 25, 2022

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.

  • 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

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.

  • 2023 application opens in September

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: April 15, 2022

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)

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, are being accepted through 5pm PT on Wednesday, April 27.

Native Artist Opportunity Fund

This new financial assistance award program from Western Arts Alliance’s AIP program will aid US-based Indigenous performing artists with short-term needs related to the promotion, development and sharing of their work or practice. The program, which is open to Indigenous performing artists residing in the US and territories, is designed to be flexible and responsive to artists’ needs; artists may apply for funds for a wide range of eligible uses, with grants capped at $750. The program has a rolling deadline, with a monthly review process.

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.

  • Deadline: April 30, 2022

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: April 30, 2022

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 19, 2022, and closes November 11, 2022.

Other Scholarships and Grants

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 2022 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.

  • Deadline: March 14, 2022.
  • Scholarship winners will be notified March 23, 2022
  • Apply now

Osmosis “Raise the Line” Scholarship

This scholarship signifies Osmosis’s continued support of education in the health sciences. Training health professionals has never been more important in our lifetimes. At Osmosis, we believe every healthcare student deserves the best education possible. And we’re doing whatever we can to reach further and help students on this journey.
We’re providing six scholarships—one $5,000.00 USD award and five individual $1,000.00 USD awards—to selected students pursuing a degree in medicine, nursing, or other health science-related degrees.

International Alliance for Women in Music: 2022 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 submission due by October 31.
  • Winning submission selected by November 29.

Aging Matters Scholarship

SeniorCare.com continues to bring more awareness to the key issues we face as an aging population. For the 7th consecutive year, we will be awarding an annual college scholarship to an individual that best demonstrates to us why “Aging Matters” to them. A $1500 scholarship will be given annually to a selected college student that 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. The recipient will demonstrate a unique and admirable understanding and desire to show us that “Aging Matters” to them.

  • Deadline Date: May 15th, 2022
  • Selection Date: June 15th, 2022

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, 2022

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

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

2022-2023 Clean Energy Scholarship for Students

Write us an essay based on the clean energy debate and submit it to our scholarship email. Winners will be announced in December 2022.
What Is the Best Source of Clean Energy and Why?
Calling on your own human experience living in a world that is fighting for solutions for cleaner, sustainable, and renewable energy solutions, as well as thorough research from credible sources, write an original essay which discusses this topic. More details

  • First place: $750
  • Second place: $500
  • Third place: $250

Award winnings will be made payable to the educational institution of scholarship winners in January 2023. Apply now

September 2024 Music Educators Journal. Now available online the latest issue of Music Educators Journal.
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