Financial aid can truly transform your college experience, no matter what your major is. If you're studying music, you might feel like finding scholarships in your field is a bit of a challenge. But don’t give up—there are some incredible opportunities out there just waiting to be discovered. With a little research and determination, you can unlock scholarships that are specifically designed to support music majors like you. Here are a few worth exploring:
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!
