No matter your major, financial aid can be a game-changer. Finding the right scholarship for your field, especially in the arts, can be tough. However, with some exploration, you can discover rewarding opportunities. Here are a few scholarships designed specifically for music majors:
1. ASCAP Foundation Scholarships
The mother lode of music scholarships. The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers offers a boat load of scholarships and awards year round for the artistically and musically-inclined student. Take a few moments to peruse this lengthy list of gift-aid options.
2. BMI Foundation Scholarships
Founded by Broadcast Music Incorporated, this collection of scholarships, awards, and more are available to students studying all sorts of musical careers, from jazz players to future conductors. There's bound to be something that fits right into your niche.
3. Dr. Robert Hawkins Memorial Scholarship
The John Philip Sousa Foundation gives away one $1,000 scholarship every academic year in honor of Robert Hawkins, a band director and orchestra conductor. Applicants must be working towards a degree in instrumental music education at a college or university in the U.S.
4. Nellie Love Butcher Music Scholarship
This scholarship awards up to $5,000 for a student pursuing an education in piano or voice. Applicants must submit an mp3 file with a performance (voice or piano) to be considered. Special preference is given to students attending the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
5. National Federation of Music Clubs Scholarships
The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) gives away scholarships for music majors for everything from composition, music education, specific instruments, and more. Their scholarships range from $500 to $3,000, and with so many categories, there’s a good chance you’ll find a scholarship fit for you.
6. Male Chorus Association Music Scholarships
The Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCA) awards scholarships from $1,000 to $1,200 to eligible candidates sponsored by a member chorus of the Associated Male Choruses of America. Applicants must also be a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music (vocal or choral emphasis preferred).
These are all awesome examples of music scholarships that anyone with some time to invest could snag. It's important to remember that in the world of scholarships, there's one for everybody, sometimes you just have to be willing to dig a little deeper to find them!