Good grades and high test scores aren’t the only way to receive scholarships. Well-honed hobbies can earn you money for college too. Playing a musical instrument requires passion, talent, and determination — and plenty of scholarship providers recognize this skill as worthy of an award.
From piano to violin to other instruments, here are a sampling of available scholarships for high school and college musicians.
[Learn how to use your talents to earn scholarships for college.]
Most dedicated musicians want to continue to learn and perfect their craft, and a number of scholarships support that pursuit. For example, current students and graduates from certain schools in Chautauqua County, New York, may be eligible for the R. Richard Corbin Memorial Fund.
This award goes toward tuition for students studying music, with an emphasis in piano, organ, musical theater or music education. Applicants must submit a one-page essay discussing their study goals, use for musical education and other relevant information, including financial need, as well as a letter of recommendation.
Numerous scholarships are available for students who play string instruments. For example, Alaska residents who have already declared a major in music education with an emphasis in string instruments are eligible for the Frank and Carol Pinkerton Scholarship. Students applying for the Pinkerton Scholarship must submit an audition along with their application.
[Discover how music performance scholarships reward talent and practice.]
The Edith Eisler Scholarship Award is open to all enrolled undergraduates who are studying a stringed instrument in pursuit of a career in music education or music performance. To apply for this $3,000 award, applicants must demonstrate financial need, a history of community service and academic merit as well as submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a their current instrumental teacher.
If the violin or cello isn’t your instrument but you play the piano, these skills could earn you a scholarship as well. Highly skilled piano players who are high school seniors from certain schools in Ohio and are pursuing a music major in college are eligible for the Monna H. Conn Scholarship for Music.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA and be recommended by a teacher who is proficient to judge keyboard skills. They must also submit three essays about their future goals, background in music and their reason for choosing music as their major. Financial need may be considered as well.
Undergraduate and graduate students at a two- or four-year college who are studying the piano with an emphasis in Hawaiian music can apply for the Edwin Mahiai Copp Beamer Scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to musical training and an interest in the Hawaiian language, culture and history. They must also submit a one-page essay describing their music background and education.
[Check out these additional scholarships for music majors.]
And Massachussetts high school seniors who plan to major in piano or another instrument or in music education, music therapy or voice are eligible to earn up to $500 through the Nickels for Notes Scholarship. Applicants must submit a completed application, including a 500-word essay and a letter of recommendation, and may be asked to participate in a personal audition. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2017.
Music scholarships aren’t limited to only students who play stringed instruments or the piano. High school seniors from Bartholomew County, Indiana, who play any instrument can compete in an instrumental competition for the Betty F. Brown Awards for Instrumental Excellence.
Through this competition — which is also open for high school sophomores and juniors to earn music lesson scholarships — seniors compete for up to $15,000 for college and an invitation to audition for a the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.
Graduates of Monterey High School in Monterey, California, who were members of the band, jazz band or orchestra, including during their senior year, may be eligible for the Bill Clapper Memorial Music Scholarship. Applicants must plan to attend college for music, have a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA and demonstrate high skill on a woodwind, brass, string or percussion instrument. They must also be recommended by their high school band director.
Whatever your musical instrument talent, keep following your passion — it could help you pay for college.
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Make Practice Pay Off With Musical Instrument Scholarships originally appeared on usnews.com
