Pursuing a degree in college can be pretty costly. For college students pursuing music education, there may be additional charges like instrument repair and maintenance costs for instrumentalists or special tea for vocalists.
One of the best ways graduating high school seniors can save money to achieve a college education is by looking into college scholarships, cash scholarships, or what scholarships are awarded to students offered by a college or university.
Read on for our list of scholarships for music education students to help you get a head-start on that music education.
Best Music Scholarships to Apply to
There are various scholarships, such as full-tuition scholarships, an art scholarship, and a scholarship program for deserving students who need financial aid when it comes to being able to attend college or university. Read on for scholarships and scholarship resources to help you achieve that music education.
About Music Scholarships
Unlike other academic majors, when graduating high school seniors who want to pursue a music education or a performing arts degree, they must apply to both the college or university and the music school. This process means that, in addition to regular application fees, high school students also have to worry about any extra costs that may arise while preparing for and auditioning for the music school.
Music scholarships can help cover these extra costs, primarily if multiple auditions exist. These scholarships can continue alleviating some of the financial obligations associated with higher education.
What are Music Scholarships?
Music scholarships are financial awards that are given to students who are studying music. These can go to students who are non-performers like music education majors or music business majors, or they can be awarded to performance majors who are instrumentalists or vocalists.
They can also go to college students who attend college for performing arts, music composition, choral music, an arts training program, or any other varying degrees relating to arts and music.
What Qualifies as a Music Scholarship?
Any scholarship created for or only open to music students is a music scholarship. Commonly these scholarships require an audition piece to showcase the student’s musical ability, but there are music scholarships that require essays or other types of submissions.
Types of Music Scholarships Available
Music and other performing arts students can qualify for many types of financial aid. Some are exclusive to music students, while others are available to all students.
Merit
Merit scholarships are financial awards not based on financial need but a student’s demonstrable ability. You must display your ability to excel in your musical skill for music students. For example, if you are a choral music student, you may submit a list of groups you have sung with, which can include music clubs or church music ministry, or audition for the scholarship directly.
Private Scholarships
Businesses, organizations, or clubs fund these to cover school costs. These can be local, regional, or national-level scholarships depending on the size of the group awarding the scholarship.
Academic
Even though you are going to school to study music, music schools have their application process from the university, which means that you are still eligible for academic scholarships that your college or university may give.
These scholarships are based on the student’s academic achievements, which their GPA or standardized test scores can determine.
How to Find Music Scholarships to Apply for?
Looking for scholarships can be a complex and lengthy process, especially if you don’t know where to start. But, many scholarship resources are available to help students find scholarships they qualify for.
The internet is the best place to start if you need help looking for scholarships. Many websites are dedicated to collecting and showcasing scholarships to needy students. These websites are helpful because you can filter out scholarships you know you won’t qualify for.
Your advisor, professors, or other students within your major or degree program are also great resources for finding scholarships. These people are likely familiar with scholarships that your school sponsors or may not be super popular, making your chances of winning better.
Tips for Winning Music Scholarships
So now you know where to look for scholarships, but how do you make sure you get chosen? Well, there is no way to guarantee that you’ll win all the scholarships you apply for, but you can increase your chances.
If you are preparing for a scholarship that requires an audition, ensures that everything else that comes with auditioning is taken care of and your sound. Have your outfit, travel plans, and any other arrangements planned and handled before your audition.
For scholarships that require an essay, make sure that your essay answers all parts of the prompt. Look for ramblings or extra information that doesn’t pertain to the subject of the prompt. Also, make sure that your writing is clear and engaging. Having a boring and hard-to-read essay is an easy way to lose the sponsor’s attention when they try to read your response.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music Scholarships
Still, have some questions about scholarships for music students? Here are some additional questions that you might have.
Are Music scholarships legit?
Music scholarships are legit. Of course, you may run into some scholarships that are shady or otherwise too good to be true. Ensure you are careful during your scholarship search, especially online, and never give out any sensitive information.
How can I improve my chances of winning Music scholarships?
Playing to your strengths is an excellent way to increase your chances of winning music scholarships. If you are a better writer than a musician, apply for more scholarships that require essays. If you are a better musician than a writer, try applying for more scholarships that allow you to send audition tapes.
How many music scholarships can you get?
There is no limit to how many music scholarships you can get. However, scholarships sponsored by a specific music school usually require you to attend that school if you accept the award, so there are limits to the number of those scholarships you can have.
Are Music scholarships taxable income?
If you spend the money on school, your scholarship awards will not be considered taxable income.
What’s the best way to apply for Music scholarships?
Applying online is likely one of the easiest ways to apply for scholarships. You can find and filter the scholarships you apply for as well as keep track of these scholarships after you apply. Other students who are using it at the same time can also share links to scholarships they think you would have a good chance of winning.
Ari Moriah
Ari's passion for education and student support forms the foundation of her contributions to Scholarship Institute, where she writes about finding scholarships and funding opportunities. With a strong commitment to helping students, Ari leverages her academic expertise in history and philosophy to guide them in finding resources for their education. She earned a B.A. from Pacific University, where she focused on Early American History and Late Antiquity/Early Medieval Greco-Roman Europe, complemented by a minor in Philosophy. As a writer, Ari draws on her research and educational background to inspire and assist students in achieving academic success.
