Your Guide to Further Your Musical Journey

Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and cultures, offering solace and inspiration to many. Pursuing a career in music, however, can be an expensive proposition. Not to worry, though, as there are numerous music scholarships out there to help you navigate the financial hurdles of a music education.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 20 national music scholarships available in the United States. These scholarships can help you fund your musical journey, whether you’re interested in music performance, composition, music business, or music therapy.

1. Marine Band Concerto Competition Scholarship

The United States Marine Band, in partnership with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, offers the Concerto Competition Scholarship for high school students¹. This scholarship is awarded to students exhibiting exceptional musical talent, especially those interested in pursuing a career in music. The winner of this competition earns the opportunity to perform as a guest soloist with the Marine Chamber Orchestra and receives a $2,500 scholarship¹.

2. School Band & Orchestra Magazine Essay Scholarship

The School Band & Orchestra Magazine offers scholarships to students willing to write an essay of 250 words or less on a music-related theme¹. This scholarship aims to encourage young musicians to express their thoughts about the importance of music in their lives.

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is awarded to “extraordinary young people” who have made a significant contribution in various fields, including music¹. The application process involves showcasing a “significant piece of work” in music that could be an exemplary performance or an extraordinary accomplishment. Winners are awarded scholarships of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000¹.

4. VSA International Young Soloists Competition

The VSA International Young Soloists Competition is open to young musicians with disabilities¹. The competition awards a $2,500 prize to selected musicians, along with networking opportunities and trainings aimed at supporting and developing their musical careers¹.

5. John Lennon Scholarship

The John Lennon Scholarship is awarded to student songwriters and composers between the ages of 17 and 24¹. All words and music must be original, and applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. college or university. This scholarship aims to support aspiring musicians in their journey to create impactful music¹.

6. ASCAP Foundation Scholarships

The ASCAP Foundation offers several scholarships in various music fields, such as film scoring, classical composition, and songwriting in several genres¹. The specific requirements and deadlines vary according to the scholarship, so applicants are advised to review each program’s details carefully¹.

7. Margaret Blackburn Composition Competition

The Margaret Blackburn Composition Competition offers a $1,000 grand prize to a female student composer enrolled in an accredited college, university, or graduate music program¹. This scholarship aims to encourage and support women in their pursuit of a career in music composition¹.

8. YoungArts Competition

The YoungArts Competition offers monetary awards to promising high school students in all performing and visual arts, including music¹. The winners of this competition also have the chance to be named U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts¹.

9. AMTA National Organization Scholarship

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) offers a $95 per year membership for students, which comes with benefits such as access to literature, networking opportunities, and training¹. This scholarship aims to support and develop the field of music therapy across the country¹.

10. Delta Omicron Music Scholarship

Delta Omicron is an international business fraternity for music students of all gender identities¹. They offer lectures, recitals, networking opportunities, and much more, making it a valuable resource for aspiring musicians¹.

11. Berklee College of Music Scholarship

Berklee College of Music offers merit-based scholarships to students demonstrating exceptional musical talents¹. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of a career in music and requires that they major in the field¹.

12. Kenyon College Music Scholarship

Kenyon College offers a $15,000 per semester scholarship to applicants who show promise in the field of music¹. This scholarship aims to encourage and support students in their pursuit of a career in music¹.

13. Audio Engineering Society Scholarships

The Audio Engineering Society offers a list of scholarship opportunities for audio engineering students in undergraduate or graduate programs¹. These scholarships aim to support and develop the field of audio engineering and music production¹.

14. Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

This $12,000 scholarship aims to provide funding to a student taking the next step in their artistic journey by going to art school¹. Low-income students in their junior and senior years of high school or in undergraduate school are eligible to apply if they are planning to attend or are currently attending art school¹.

15. Carl’s Music Matters Scholarship

The Carl’s Music Matters Scholarship offers a $500 scholarship to encourage high school students to pursue music so they can achieve their creative goals¹. Any high school senior who is an aspiring musician may apply for this scholarship¹.

16. Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship

The Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship to support students attending the State University of New York at New Paltz¹. Any undergraduate student pursuing an art-related major at the State University of New York at New Paltz may apply for this scholarship¹.

17. Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence

The Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence offers a $2,500 scholarship to support five first-generation BIPOC students who are pursuing careers in music or theater¹. The scholarship aims to support students in finding success through their passions¹.

18. Lionz Alliance – Florida Fine Arts Scholarship

The Lionz Alliance – Florida Fine Arts Scholarship offers a $2,125 scholarship to provide an artist that demonstrates both outstanding artistic merit and a need for financial support¹. This scholarship aims to provide the recipient with a head start in the professional world¹.

19. Creative Arts Scholarship

The Creative Arts Scholarship offers a $3,000 scholarship to support high school seniors and undergraduate students from Illinois who plan to continue their artistic education in the future¹. This scholarship aims to support the future of the performing arts¹.

20. Henry D. Teuteberg Memorial Music Scholarship

The Henry D. Teuteberg Memorial Music Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship to support high school seniors who are interested in pursuing music¹. This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Henry D. Teuteberg by supporting students in their pursuit of a career in music¹.

Applying for Music Scholarships: Key Tips

As you explore these scholarships, remember that each one has its own set of eligibility criteria and application requirements. Make sure to carefully check these details before applying. The process of applying for scholarships can be rigorous and time-consuming, but the rewards can be significant. Keep organized, stay focused, and don’t give up. Your passion for music deserves to be nurtured and supported, and these scholarships are a stepping stone towards achieving your musical dreams.

Conclusion

Education is a vital part of any musician’s journey, but it can also be a costly endeavor. These top 20 national music scholarships can provide the financial aid you need to further your music education. Remember, every bit of financial aid helps, and these scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of your education. So, start applying today, and take a step closer to achieving your dream of a successful music career.