There is free college money available for dedicated and talented young musicians, the dream of attending a conservatory, recording art colleges or university to continue studies. Remember to fill out the typical federal financial aid forms as required for any undergraduate grants. While college grants such as the Pell Grant are focused on a financial need basis, there are also foundations awarding music scholarships and other sources of free college money in 2013.
THE ASCAP FOUNDATION YOUNG JAZZ COMPOSER AWARDS
SPONSORED BY THE GIBSON FOUNDATION
The ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Awards are granted annually to encourage talented young jazz composers. You can read more details on eligibility and download an application online. Eligible candidates are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States who have not reached their 30th birthday by December 31st 2012. Applicants are required to submit the form that is available from the above link, send a notated score of one musical composition; include biographical information demonstrating prior music studies, background and experience. Applicants shall also send a CD of the same composition they send as a notated score. This program began in 2002 with support from the Joseph and Rosalie Meyer Fund and is also sponsored by the Gibson Foundation and The ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fund.
The Stamford Symphony Scholarship is available to Connecticut residents. Applicants should be high school seniors who intend to earn a degree in music from an accredited conservatory, college or university.
The National Association for Music Education sponsors the Copyright Awareness Scholarship Program. It is open for musicians between the age of 13 and 25 who are enrolled school, college, university, or trade school. There are three prizes. First prize is $10,000, second prize is $3,000 and third prize is $2,000. For full details, contact susanl@namfe.org.
The Strings Magazine awards the Edith Eisler Scholarship. This scholarship is a $3,000 award for undergraduate students. Eligible students should music majors who play one of the following bowed string instruments: the violin, cello or bass. Qualifications include financial need, academic merit, and community service. The application deadline is 3 April 2012. For further details contact Stringletter (415) 485-6946 or e-mail education.st@stringletter.com.
Music students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District may be interested in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Scholarship.
The Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCofA) offers a couple of scholarships to individuals who have been sponsored by a member of AMCofA. The deadline is March 1st.
